The provided source material focuses on resources available to educators for acquiring free books for classrooms and students, primarily through Scholastic programs and other book donation initiatives. It details teacher-created materials for managing Scholastic Book Orders, creating student wishlists, and tracking promotional coupons. Additionally, it outlines several external organizations that offer free books to schools and educators based on eligibility criteria, such as Title I status or demonstrated financial need. These resources aim to support literacy development and classroom library growth without requiring direct financial outlay from teachers for the books themselves.
Scholastic Book Order Management and Incentives
Teachers frequently utilize Scholastic Book Orders as a mechanism to expand classroom libraries and foster student interest in reading. The source material describes various printable resources created by educators to streamline this process. These include wish lists that allow students to select books they desire, which can then be shared with parents or used for classroom activities.
Student Wishlists and Order Tracking
Educators have developed specific tools to help students navigate Scholastic flyers and express their interests. One resource is a "FREEBIE Book Order Wish List" designed for students to fill out while browsing Scholastic magazines. This tool encourages students to select books and calculate costs, potentially turning the activity into a math exercise where students add the prices of two or three books. Another resource includes a "Wishlist for students to fill out while browsing through scholastic magazines" and an "Order goal tracker" available for financial targets such as $50, $100, $150, and $200. These trackers help teachers set and monitor classroom ordering goals.
Furthermore, some materials are designed to facilitate the ordering process for parents. A "Simple slip" can be printed and attached to student order forms to provide easy instructions for home ordering. Another document offers instructions for families on how to order books online, noting that this system allows teachers to avoid collecting classroom money, as they can input codes and send notes home instead.
Promotional Coupons and Incentives
The source material details the creation and use of printable coupons to incentivize student participation in Scholastic programs. Teachers can print a "$5 free book coupon" to use as a prize for Scholastic orders. It is explicitly noted that these are teacher-created printables and not coded coupons issued by Scholastic; therefore, the teacher is responsible for purchasing the books if the coupon is redeemed. These coupons are often used as rewards for students who achieve specific targets.
Several use cases for these coupons are described: * Birthday Rewards: Teachers may give these coupons to students for their birthdays. One source mentions a system for tracking the redemption of these birthday coupons to ensure they are used or to allow for reissuing if lost. * Holiday Gifts: Teachers sometimes distribute these coupons as holiday gifts instead of physical book coupons to ensure the funds are used, as they can select a book for the student if the coupon goes unused. * General Rewards: They are used to reward students for achieving targets or as prizes.
External Book Donation Programs for Educators
Beyond Scholastic, several organizations provide free books to schools and educators, particularly those serving underfunded communities or Title I schools. The source material outlines eligibility requirements and application processes for these programs.
First Book Book Bank
First Book is an organization dedicated to removing financial barriers to accessing books and school supplies. Through their Book Bank, educators at organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria can request free class sets of children’s books for their classrooms. The only cost to the educator is shipping and handling. If an educator does not meet the eligibility requirements for free books, they have the option to purchase cheap book bundles from First Book.
Book Trust
Book Trust is a nonprofit organization that provides free books for students in Title I schools. The program aims to encourage a love of reading both at school and at home. To access this resource, an educator must work in a Title I school. Interested parties can click a provided link to learn more about the program and the specific application process.
Kids Need to Read
This organization provides free books to teachers who work at underfunded schools, libraries, or other organizations. Requests for book donations are accepted on a rolling basis. Educators must fill out an application to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements. The application form is closed during four months of the year: May, July, November, and December.
Lisa Libraries
The Lisa Libraries program donates free books to underfunded schools, libraries, and children’s organizations across the United States. To apply, interested applicants must send an email to the program containing information about their organization, the number of children served, and a demonstration of need.
Educational Activities Using Scholastic Materials
The source material also highlights how Scholastic Book Orders can be used as educational tools beyond simple ordering. Teachers utilize the book flyers and order forms for various classroom activities designed to enhance literacy and critical thinking skills.
Author's Purpose and Text Analysis
Students can use Scholastic book orders to engage in activities focused on identifying an author's purpose. One method involves having students cut out book covers from Scholastic magazines and glue them into a chart to distinguish between books meant to inform and those meant to entertain. Another activity includes a writing component where students write a sentence to persuade the teacher to purchase a specific book.
Fiction and Nonfiction Review
Scholastic materials can serve as resources for reviewing fiction and nonfiction texts. Students can cut out book covers from magazines or Scholastic orders and paste them into the appropriate category. These activities are designed to be interactive and engaging, requiring only basic classroom supplies like printers, glue, and scissors.
Math and Equation Practice
The book order forms themselves can be repurposed for math lessons. As mentioned previously, students can be tasked with picking books and adding their prices to create equations, providing a practical application for math skills.
Conclusion
The available information indicates that teachers have multiple avenues for acquiring free books and utilizing promotional materials to benefit their students. Scholastic Book Orders serve as a central hub for both acquiring literature and providing educational activities, with teacher-created printables enhancing the management of orders and student engagement. Furthermore, several external organizations offer significant support by donating books to schools with demonstrated financial need. Educators are encouraged to review the specific eligibility requirements and application timelines for programs such as First Book, Book Trust, Kids Need to Read, and Lisa Libraries to access these valuable resources.