This post is about setting up a classroom and home reading program in the primary classroom. It includes free printable sheets to create home reading folders.
Setting Up A Classroom and Home Reading Program
Today I am sharing a way of setting up a classroom and home reading program in your classroom. I have been teaching students to read for nearly a decade, and in that time, I have tried a lot of different approaches. This system is the way that I have set it up in my classroom, and I have had a lot of success with it! I hope that I can help you set-up your class and students for reading success!
Daily Read to Self Time
Classroom Reading System
Leveled Book Baskets with “Just Right” Books
Once they understand all about finding the right books, I begin to give them the opportunity of choosing their books for their book baskets. They each have their reading basket that I number (saves me having to relabel each year!), and they LOVE being able to fill it with books they choose. I have them pick three books from their “just-right” reading basket (the one with the clothespin on it) and three books of their choosing from any other bins in the classroom. I should also mention that I have a group of students who are reading chapter books/more difficult material (they are beyond the levels on the bins), so they get to choose their own six books for the week.
Book Shopping and Student Book Bins
At the beginning of DEAR time each day, I have a different guided reading group “book shop” for new books. This system keeps things organized and minimizes the noise and chaos that putting away and taking new books can create.
Home Reading Program
Creating Home Reading Folders
Now this great idea was not my own but came from Rachelle over at What A Teacher Wants. To keep your folders closed, use some Velcro strips cut into pieces (or use dots) and attach to the flap of the envelope. This works like a charm! Such an easy and effective way to keep those books safe inside, and it lasts longer than a Ziplock.

Organizing Home Reading Folders
Create Your Own Home Reading Folder
Grab the FREE Read Every Day Home Reading Folder resource now by clicking the image below.
I have included it with EDITABLE files for you to customize to suit your needs. Enjoy!
Materials to Make the Folders
Reading Comprehension Activities
To get started today implementing reading comprehension practice in your classroom, check out Proud to be Primary’s reading comprehension passages!
Want to give them a try? Click the image below to download a free sample.
More Teaching Ideas
Simple Ways to Teach Sight Words
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