Setting up a classroom library can be very exhausting, yet so exciting to make an area that students WANT to read in. By using materials that will draw students to the library, you are helping to set up students to become lifelong readers.
After arranging furniture and deciding where the classroom library would be, my next step was to get the Neon Tall Storage Baskets with Handles labeled and ready to go for books. To create quick and easy labels, I used the Under the Sea Self-Adhesive Name Tags/Labels. I printed genre and theme labels on white labels, added them to the Under the Sea Self-Adhesive Name Tags/Labels and laminated for durability. To attach to the Neon Tall Storage Baskets, simply paper punch and add a book ring. The extra Under the Sea Self-Adhesive Name Tags/Labels will be used for name tags the first week of school. If you prefer to just write on the Under the Sea Self-Adhesive Name Tags/Labels tags, use a sharpie and laminate. Quick & easy! 
Next, I started to create the background for my reading area. I used Fadeless® Art Paper Roll - Brite Blue paper for the backdrop and added Fish Scale Purple Scalloped Bulletin Board Border around the edges. To create waves, simply twist different colors of paper streamers together and staple! I used purple, light blue, and a dark blue. I then pinned a set of Plush Long Arm Sea Creatures. I chose the title "Keep Swimming" for my reading area to help motivate students to never give up when things are challenging, especially while reading! 
Now that the reading area is ready to go, it is time to add some fun and interesting details to help gain a students' attention. The Under The Sea Canopy Tent is the perfect spot for two readers to enjoy a great book together. I love that the canopy has little animals to go right along with the theme. For an extra touch, add some jumbo and large floor pillows. These are a classroom favorite! Students love to grab a pillow and move around the room to read or even work on an assignment. The pillows are extremely comfy and the covers can be removed and washed as needed. 
Once you are ready to open up the library to students during the first week back, help spark even more interest by providing your students with their very own read to self Fish Glasses and Laminated Under the Sea Bookmarks. 
