A few words that are often heard when teachers talk about literacy are decodable readers, leveled texts, genre and classroom library… and the big one: SCIENCE OF READING. How can all these things fit together when it comes to the classroom library?Let’s make your classroom library a place students can easily, and successfully find engaging and readable books.

Why Have a Classroom Library?

I remember my 2nd grade self sifting through the apple themed bookshelves my teacher had painstakingly sorted. During this time in education (the 90s), leveled text was king. However, my beloved 2nd grade teacher also had about half of her books simply organized by topics and interests. Which organization method was more valuable? That is what we will dig into shortly. But first, why should teachers have a classroom library in the first place?

Classroom libraries offer students variety. They may choose two to three books from the school library, but often cannot get new books right away when they finish. Having a collection of books within reach right in the classroom solves this issue. Also, teachers can help pick out book as they get to know their students’ individual reading strengths, weaknesses and interests.

What to Include in a Science of Reading-Aligned Library

One big shift since my own time as a 2nd grader is the focus on Science of Reading aligned practices. Research has shown that students become stronger readers when they have access to decodable text that matches their current phonics knowledge. But a SOR-friendly library isn’t just about decodable books — it’s about building a balanced collection that supports the skills students are learning every step of the way.

Whether you’re starting fresh or updating your current classroom library, here are the key components to include for a strong Science of Reading aligned collection:

1. Decodable Books

These are books designed to reinforce phonics patterns students have learned. They use controlled vocabulary that matches decoding skills, helping kids practice sounding out words independently without relying heavily on pictures or guessing. Look for books that gradually introduce new phonics concepts and provide plenty of practice with each.

Kindergarten: Bob Books Set 1: Beginning Readers by Bobby Lynn Maslen
Simple phonics-focused stories that introduce basic letter-sound relationships.

1st Grade: Flyleaf Publishing Decodable Readers Level 2
Controlled vocabulary focusing on common phonics patterns for early 1st grade readers.

1st grade decodable readers: https://shop.luckylittlelearners.com/membership-library/?wp_posts_product%5BrefinementList%5D%5Btaxonomies.all_access_series%5D%5B0%5D=Decodable%20Phonics%20Passages%20-%201st%20Grade&wp_posts_product%5Bpage%5D=2

2nd Grade: Reading Adventures Decodable Book Series Level 3 by Wanda Sanseri
Texts with more complex phonics patterns appropriate for 2nd grade developing readers.

2nd grade decodable readers: https://shop.luckylittlelearners.com/membership-library/?wp_posts_product%5BrefinementList%5D%5Btaxonomies.all_access_series%5D%5B0%5D=Decodable%20Phonics%20Passages%20-%202nd%20Grade

2. Patterned and Predictable Texts

Books with repetitive and predictable sentence structures support fluency and confidence. These texts allow students to focus on phonics and word recognition while building comprehension through context and sentence patterns.

Kindergarten: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
Repetitive, predictable sentence patterns support early fluency.

1st Grade: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback
Repetitive structure and predictable text encourage confidence and engagement.

2nd Grade: Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
Predictable text patterns combined with engaging storylines.

3. High Frequency Words/ Tricky Word Books

Since some common words don’t follow phonics rules, it’s important to include books and materials that highlight these “sight words” or irregularly spelled words so students can recognize them quickly.

4. Vocabulary and Language Rich Books

Even with a focus on phonics and decoding, exposure to rich vocabulary and diverse language structures is essential for comprehension and overall literacy development. Include age-appropriate nonfiction and fiction texts that introduce new words and ideas, helping students build background knowledge and language skills

Kindergarten: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals by Catherine D. Hughes
Nonfiction with rich vocabulary and stunning photos to build background knowledge.

1st Grade: The Magic School Bus Chapter Books (Nonfiction Series) by Joanna Cole
Engaging texts that introduce science vocabulary and concepts at an accessible level.

2nd Grade: Who Was? Series (Biography books for kids)
Rich, engaging stories that expand vocabulary and knowledge of history and culture.

5. Multisensory and Hands-On Tools

Supplement your books with interactive tools like letter tiles, phonics games, and tactile alphabet materials. These help students connect sounds to letters through movement and touch — an important part of SOR instruction.

6. Grade Level Text

Your library should support growth. It is okay to include grade-level appropriate complex texts as students master foundational skills. This scaffolding helps keep reading challenging but not frustrating.

1st Grade: Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
Classic stories with rich language and comprehension challenges suited for 1st grade.

2nd Grade: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
A beloved chapter book with complex themes and language for advanced 2nd grade readers.

Should I have ONLY decodable readers until students are fluent?

This is a common question! While decodable books are essential for helping early readers build strong decoding skills, your classroom library shouldn’t be made up of only decodable texts. The ideal library reflects the diversity of your students’ needs, interests, and backgrounds by including a wide range of books — across reading levels, genres, and cultures.

Key Criteria for Selecting Books for a Science of Reading-Friendly Library

1. Reading Levels

It’s important to have books at different reading levels to meet your students where they are and help them grow. Decodable books focus specifically on phonics patterns and word decoding, which are crucial for early readers. But beyond that, kids benefit from access to books that challenge their comprehension and build vocabulary, even if those books aren’t fully decodable.

A strong Science of Reading classroom library balances decodable texts with a variety of leveled books. It’s less about strictly grouping kids by “guided reading levels” and more about giving them the chance to explore texts that interest them and support their growth in multiple ways.

For a quick guide to understanding reading levels and how to think about them, this resource is super helpful: Quick Guide to Understanding Reading Levels. And if you want a deeper dive into decodables vs. reading levels, check this out: Decodable Text: How and When to Use It.

2. Genres

Include a mix of fiction and nonfiction, poetry, and narrative texts. Different genres engage students in different ways and support various literacy skills. Nonfiction books, for example, build background knowledge and vocabulary, which are essential for reading comprehension.

Kindergarten

Fiction: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Nonfiction: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields
Poetry: A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Narrative: Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

1st Grade

Fiction: Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
Nonfiction: Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body by Joanna Cole
Poetry: Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
Narrative: Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel

2nd Grade

Fiction: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Nonfiction: National Geographic Kids: Sharks by Anne Schreiber
Poetry: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Narrative: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

3. Diversity and Representation

A classroom library should reflect the cultures, languages, and experiences of all students. Books featuring diverse characters and authors help students see themselves and others in stories, fostering empathy and a love of reading.

Kindergarten: Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
A story celebrating community, diversity, and kindness.

1st Grade: Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
A heartwarming story about family, identity, and self-love.

2nd Grade: The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
A powerful poem honoring Black history and culture, with vivid illustrations.

4. Interest and Engagement

Books that match your students’ interests — from animals and sports to space and friendship — motivate them to pick up a book and keep reading. Pay attention to what topics excite your students and include those in your library.

Kindergarten: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
A classic engaging book about nature and transformation.

1st Grade: Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Adventure and history come alive in this engaging chapter book series.

2nd Grade: National Geographic Kids: Weird But True! by National Geographic Kids
Fascinating facts about animals, science, and the world that hook young readers.

5. Award-Winning Titles

Including books recognized for quality and impact, such as those honored by the Coretta Scott King Award, Caldecott Medal, or other children’s literature awards, can ensure you’re offering well-crafted, meaningful stories.

Kindergarten: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (Caldecott Medal)
A timeless story about a child exploring winter.

1st Grade: Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña (Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award)
Celebrates community and empathy.

2nd Grade: Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Newbery Honor)
A touching story about friendship and community.

How to Set Up and Organize the Classroom Library

Creating a Science of Reading friendly library is just the first step — organizing it so students can easily find and enjoy books is just as important. A well-organized library encourages independence and helps kids develop a habit of choosing books that match their interests and reading skills.

There are lots of ways to organize your classroom library — by reading level, genre, author, or even themes. Labeling shelves clearly and creating cozy reading spots can also make a big difference in how students use your library.

For more detailed ideas and tips on organizing your classroom library in ways that save you time and support your students, check out this helpful post: Classroom Library Organization Ideas.