READcycle - A How-to Kit for a Class or Schoolwide Book Swap Literacy Event!

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A few years back, a colleague of mine approached me about starting a schoolwide book swap event in our school. We eagerly dove in and implemented our first READcycle event…which turned out to be such a huge success that we do it every year! We try to schedule our book swap around Earth Day to reinforce the idea of “recycling” books. A book swap would also be fitting for Read Across America Week, Summer Reading Kickoff, or just because!

Benefits of Doing a Class or Schoolwide Literacy Event:

  • getting books into the hands of children

  • promoting reading

  • fostering a deeper sense of community

Since then, many teachers have reached out to me asking how to begin their own READcycle event in their schools. It’s no question that designing a class or schoolwide book swap event can be a valuable yet overwhelming event. As such, I have created a how-to kit for starting your own READcycle book swap event in your own school!

The how-to kit has all of the materials you need to successfully execute your own READcycle event, including:

  • 3-Page How Does READcycle Work? Teacher Guide

  • 2-page Frequently Asked Questions Tip Sheet

  • READcycle Print Checklist

  • READcycle To-Do List

  • EDITABLE READcycle Flyer (*PowerPoint is needed)

  • Certificate of Participation (Color & B/W)

  • Book Donation Record Sheet

  • READcycle Book Tickets (Color & B/W)

  • Check-Out Table Sign (Color & B/W)

  • Donation Box Sign (Color & B/W)

  • READcycle Pennant Banner

  • Grade Level and Genre Table Signs (Color & B/W)

Although this guide is primarily written to support a schoolwide book swap, it can easily be applied to a smaller-scale event (i.e. one or two classrooms).

This year, we will be holding our READcycle event after state testing, on May 20. I will return to post pictures of the event soon thereafter!

Yours in Literacy,

Sheila :)