Smooth Sailing into a New Year: Tips, Tricks, and Giveaways

27 July 2014
Are you ready to start sailing into a new year?

I've got a great tip for you on how to set up your classroom library.  I know many of you have wonderfully organized classroom libraries with rows of beautiful bright baskets filled with books.  I'm just not a basket person.  I love my classroom library.  I love seeing rows upon rows of books in my little cubby bookshelves.  I love that students can see all the spines, read the titles, and know what treasures are within.  I even have my desk positioned across from my classroom library because staring at it just makes me happy.  

This is my classroom library.  I'm not sure if you can see in the picture, but I have a little white label at the bottom of each cubby that has either a genre, author name, or series (if the series fits the whole cubby).  All the books in a particular genre (I have a few cubbies with the same genre), by a certain author, or within a series are *supposed* to go back to the properly labelled cubby.  In a perfect world.  ;)  My students are pretty good at returning series to the right spot, and authors sometimes, but those genre cubbies never stay right - and I've relied on students volunteering to reorganize the cubbies many times during the year.

And now I've got a solution!  I have a crazy washi tape collection that has just been sitting in a craft drawer (big dreams, no time).  To keep my library organized, I can put a piece of washi tape on the spine of my books that go into a certain cubby or shelf (and put a piece of matching washi tape right on the cubby (or shelf) the book belongs to.  I can write the genre, series, or author name right onto the washi tape.  I think this will be a beautiful solution, and I know it will help my students keep my library organized.  If you don't have washi tape, you could do the same thing with masking tape, and just draw a coloured dot or pattern on the masking tape.  Easy Peasy.







265 comments

  1. First to comment :) Hope you are having a wonderful summer...Can't believe it's almost time for us to start back. Crossing my fingers to win something :)

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  2. I promoted this giveaway by sharing it on facebook.

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  3. I shared this wonderful giveaway on FB! Thank you for the chance to win & for all of the ideas! :)

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  4. Love your idea with the wash tape. I too have a stash that I had hoped to use somewhere, but never did. This will be just the project to use it.

    I shared the giveaway on twitter.
    https://twitter.com/sarakovach/status/493386785540415488

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  5. I pinned this giveaway on pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/280912095482822681/ Thanks!

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  6. I shared this fabulous giveaway on Pinterest!

    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/154318724706789433/

    Thank you so much! :)

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  7. Love the washi tape idea! I had my books organized by reading level and used colored dot stickers. That worked, but the washi tape is prettier!
    Carol
    Teachers Are Terrific!

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  8. Love this idea! My library is horrible by the end of the year. I just spent a day at school getting everything back where it should be.

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  9. I *LOVE* my classroom library as well! I do label the books on the spines (usually the small colorful dots) by genre and it has made a WORLD of difference for keeping the books organized and put back on the right shelf!
    I agree with you about the not-only-using-baskets thing - it helps kids with "real-world" book shopping as neither book stores nor library keep their books in baskets :)
    I promoted the giveaway here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/212443307397868715/

    ~Jessica
    Joy in the Journey

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  10. I LOVE this library idea! I followed you on TpT and bloglovin! Thank you!

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  11. I have spent several days setting up my classroom library. I am a basket lover!! But I do love all of the ideas that you have shared here. I have sent this blog to a few of my fellow teachers. I think they will really enjoy it also!

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  12. I pinned this to my classroom library board :) http://www.pinterest.com/pin/233835405627762485/

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  13. Great tips but then again, everything you do is great! I pinned your giveaway!
    ~Lorraine
    Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies 
    Visit my Facebook page

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  14. I shared on Twitter! :) https://twitter.com/bremuffin/status/493414310974988288

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  15. Love your stuff always helpful

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  16. I promoted the giveaway on pinterest and shared to facebook!

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  17. I promoted the giveaway on Pinterest. I think the Washi tape idea for books is fantastic! Thanks!

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  18. Here's my pin to promote and it was shared on facebook via the pin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/64668944624734007/

    I wish I had the bookshelf space you do. I have long bookshelves with no dividers. To assist in keeping my books organized and not a falling all over mess, I use bins from dollar tree!

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  19. I tweeted and shared on Facebook! Thank you!

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  20. Your washi tape idea is brilliant...and your library is gorgeous. I'm "half and half" shelves and bins--but I LOVE your cubbies!

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  21. I promoted this giveaway on Pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/554505772843696696/

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  22. I promoted this on pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/554505772843696696/

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  23. Each day after school, I make a list on paper of all the students in my class. I take note of which students I wrote down immediately, and which students came at the end of the list, or I had trouble remembering. The next day, I take special care to pay more attention to the students who didn't immediately jump out at me. What do they like? What are their strengths? What special talents do they have? etc.

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  24. I love all of your activities first of all. I pinned your giveaway here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/186055028331038533/

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  25. Shared on FB: https://www.facebook.com/InsideThisBook?fref=nf

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  26. I adore your library!! It's beautiful!! I wish I had that much space in my classroom for such an elaborate library!!

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  27. I shared it on twitter: https://twitter.com/kellybb31/status/493432024187682818

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  28. Love the Washi tape idea. I'm going to go back to school early to re-do my library and this idea will stick with me.

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  29. I sent an email to all my colleagues letting them know about the giveaway. I have tons of resources from you and have promoted your site for a couple years.

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  30. I LOVE the washi tape idea for my library!! I always get so many good ideas from you, thank you!!

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  31. What a wonderful use of Washi tape. I promoted this AWESOME giveaway on pinterest. All of my favorite sellers!!! What a dream! Thank you.

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    1. Oopsies, here's the pin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/79235274669520281/

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  32. I shared it on Pinterest!
    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4925880817721345/

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  33. I am telling all of my teacher friends.

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  34. Thanks for all of your wonderful ideas and the contest!!

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  35. I promoted this giveaway on Facebook!

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  36. Great idea w/the washi tape. I promoted it on Twitter & Facebook.
    https://twitter.com/AiellosClass/status/493437356167282689

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  37. I promoted the giveaway by pinning it on pinterest!

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  38. Thank you for the giveaway! I pinned the giveaway here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/93590498481211400/.

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  39. This is an amazing giveaway so I pinned it:
    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/138415388522629808/

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  40. Thanks for all that you do! I shared the giveaway on Facebook!

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  41. Love the wasi tape idea! I shared on Pinterest.

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    1. Thank you for this fabulous opportunity! I have shared this on my personal Facebook page.

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  42. Love the classroom library set up. Where did you get the cubbies?

    Kim
    Quinnessential Lessons

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  43. Pinned it on Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/173247916890599682/

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  44. I promoted the sale by sharing it with all of my teacher friends! I hope one of us wins!!!!! We love your products!

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  45. This is such a great idea! Thanks so much!

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  46. I promoted on FB. I love the washi tape idea - it never occurred to me! You could use solids for lexile levels and pattern for genre, if you really wanted to be fancy!

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  47. Wow! Impressive organized library! Love it!

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  48. Love your library! Shared on Twitter!
    https://twitter.com/DannyTRhonda/status/493464784101060608

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  49. I've followed you for a while now and liked you on FB

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  50. I have posted it on my personal Facebook page! Thank you for this fabulous opportunity!

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  51. I checked out both of your books and found they were already on my wish list. Thanks for the chance to win them!!!

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  52. I love the washi tape idea!! So easy and pretty!

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  53. I love this washi tape idea. Especially because I too have lots of washi tape and no time for the crafts I planned to use it with.

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  54. I shared this giveaway on Facebook. I love the washi tape idea for books. I will be using that idea.

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  55. I love the washi tape idea, and it's something I can get my family to help me with so it will go quickly! Thanks for the idea!

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  56. Thank you!!! I've never thought to coordinate the book spines with Washi Tape! :)

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  57. I love the washi tape idea and will be using it! I posted about the giveaway on FB

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  58. I told all my teacher friends... and I LOVE the washi tape idea! I have a ton of it at home!

    Kelly Christensen

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  59. I shared through Pinterest . I love the idea of wasbi tape on the books, I'm going to have to give it a try .

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  60. Thanks for the chance to win. I use your lapbook and love it.
    I would love you to visit my blog if you get a chance. ♥ Jamie at Mrs. Moore’s Ramblings

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  61. I promoted this by sharing on Face book

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  62. Shared this with many teacher friends! So thankful for the great ideas.

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  63. Pinterest!!
    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/79938962110990945/

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  64. Such an amazing giveaway that I had to share this on Facebook!
    Julie

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  65. tweeted it - https://twitter.com/KathyT44/status/493495166850719744

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  66. I promoted this giveaway on facebook

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  67. I pinned! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31877109837714106/

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  68. Pinned and promoted on facebook!

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  69. Love the tape on the spine idea! So clever and easy!! Definitely need to do this in my classroom library this year :)

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  70. Cute idea for your library. Thanks for sharing!

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  71. I promoted this giveaway on Pinterest. :)

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  72. I told my co-teachers about this giveaway!

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  73. I used Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/131026670384227017/

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  74. This is a great giveaway! Sharing with a coworker!

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  75. I pinned this to Pinterest!

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  76. I love your ideas and have them pinned and on my TPT wishlist.

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  77. I shared the giveaway on facebook.

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  78. I love your washi tape-book spine idea!

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  79. Gosh, the washi tape idea is SO simple, yet so practical! I love it.....
    I also have shelves, and would be happy if they get to the right shelves, let alone the right order! Thanks....

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  80. Love the washi tape idea! I inherited a ton of books as a new teacher and was struggling to organize them. This might be the best solution I've seen! I promoted the contest by sharing the information with my friends on facebook.

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  81. I promoted on Facebook!

    Aimee
    aimee@vanmiddlesworth.org
    Pencils, Books, and Dirty Looks

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  82. I tweeted about the contests and posted on my facebook page!

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  83. Love all of the ideas. Thanks.

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  84. Great idea with the tape! I shared your page on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/robinclaudia/posts/10204545598908392.
    Thanks...

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  85. I tweeted it at: https://twitter.com/theowlteacher/status/493547605654138880
    and pinned it on pinterest at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/454300681134664736/
    Thank you! :)
    Tammy DeShaw (The Owl Teacher)

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  86. I own almost all of your resources and love them all! I follow you on FB, pinterest.

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  87. I put it on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/141019032057308680/

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  88. I pinned on pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151081762474807970/

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  89. I retweeted Laura Candler's tweet and liked your facebook page.

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  90. I love the washi tape idea! Brilliant!!

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  91. I share through Facebook. Thanks for the great idea! Your shelves look awesome!
    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/285556432598169819/

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  92. I shared this giveaway on my Facebook page.

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  93. I have saved my library for last this year! So glad I did because I love the washi tape idea!! Thank you...love it!

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  94. I love your library! I have been trying to revamp mine for the past year, but it is just so time consuming.

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  95. Thank you for everything you do and for sharing all of your wonderful ideas! Ashleigh

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  96. I really like the washi tape idea. I think I will give this a try. You have some great ideas and I love your Blog.

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  97. I shared the giveaway on Facebook.

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  98. How exciting! Perfect for the beginning of school!

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  99. Looking at that library would make me happy too, Jen! Sending you lots of cyberhugs and good wishes!

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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  100. I shared this giveaway on Facebook. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your cubbie library!!! I think I need to work toward that design!! =)

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  101. I shared this giveaway on Facebook and I love your washi tape idea!

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  102. Shared on Facebook awesome giveaways ready to start organizing my Clasroom, new. Place new grade excited

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  103. Shared on Facebook.
    I love your library!

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  104. Love your washi tape idea!! I shared this giveaway on Facebook.

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  105. I shared on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.

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  106. I have shared this AWESOME giveaway on Pinterest, Twitter, and FB. Your washi tape idea is great- it is one of those "why didn't I think of it" ideas :)

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  107. Love the give away. Love responses also

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  108. I shared on Pinterest!!!! Thank you for the opportunity!!!

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  109. I shared the give away on FB.

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  110. I love your resources! Thanks so much. I shared on FB!

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  111. I shared it on pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/pin/390054017700653209/

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  112. Shared on Pinterest! I'm sure my pinterest followers will LOVE it!

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  113. I shared it on pinterest! >> http://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097727796235/

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  114. I promoted through pinterest and twitter. Hope I win!

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  115. Well, apparently I'm going to have to buy even more washi tape! Love the tape idea!

    Sally from Elementary Matters

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  116. Love your library idea. I also don't like my books in bins but I don't own your cute cubbies.

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  118. I pinned this to Pinterest! And I love the washi tape idea! You could use it even if you do use bins!

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  119. I shared on FB. You are amazing and I already follow you in all the areas on your rafflecopter!

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  120. I shared this awesome giveaway with all of my friends on Facebook!

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  121. I tried baskets last year and did love it. I like how you organized your library. Thanks

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  122. Going to try Washi tape and shelves. I have about 5,000 books! Thanks for the idea.

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  123. OMG I love the library! and using the tape? genius!!!!!

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  124. I love the Washi tape idea! I'm going to use that in my library. Thanks for sharing!

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  125. I like your ideas and resources. I would love to win the books.

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  126. I shared about the contest on Facebook!

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  127. My classroom library is in DIRE need of organization and repair! I just got a ton of new books from Scholastic points & Target $$ Spot. I LOVE the washi tape for coding/organization...GENIUS! Thank you for sharing!
    It's Elementary, My Dear!

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  128. Also - I posted the idea on Pinterest -http://www.pinterest.com/pin/23714335512815866/
    Thanks again!

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  129. I love how you use the washi tape to organize your classroom library!

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  130. I would love to win your better reading responses: it is definitely an area I need help with!

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  131. I love your products. They feature prominently in my classroom. I reposted the contest information on my Facebook page.

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  132. Shared on Facebook. Love all your ideas. Washi tape for book organization, Great Idea!

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  133. Thank you for the classroom library tips. I love having a large collection of books for my students, but I hate how disorganized and messy it quickly becomes.

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  134. Love the Washi tape idea! I use colored dots...but like your idea better! I shared on pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/46443439882705332/

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  135. Your library looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.

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  136. Thanks for the great giveaway! I shared this on my Literacy board on Pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/179721841354952631/

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  137. Another great idea! I love your TPT products!

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  138. Thanks for posting these great ideas.

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  139. I shared by pinning the giveaway http://www.pinterest.com/pin/110690103316452634/

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  140. Love your idea, and can't wait to try it!

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  141. Really hope you haven't drawn yet!!! I just returned from a swim team weekend. Love this idea on the books. My kids just don't pull out the tubs!!!

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  142. I have been going back and forth about baskets vs. no baskets and you just made my decision for me. Thank you! I will definitely be implementing the wash-tape coding next year.

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  143. I've been going back and forth about using baskets too. I love how many books I can get on a shelf when they aren't in baskets. Thanks for sharing your great ideas..

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  145. I pinned! What a great idea! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/281193570459198447/

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  146. Great idea! I pinned: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/559079741215475453/

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  147. I pinned this giveaway. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/89649848807568991/

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  148. I really love the wash tape idea! I pinned this giveaway. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/213428469816274900/

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  149. Oh, I LOVE your washi tape idea! So going to do this! My kids always seem to struggle with putting books back in my classroom library where they belong. This will help tons!
    I pinned this:
    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/163466661449699066/

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  150. Oh, my! So many comments already! I shared this post on both Facebook and Google+

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  151. Shared on FB AND Pinterest and currently seeking washi tape!

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  152. I first want to say thank you for everything I have used from your awesome blog and TPT store! I tell everyone about your blog and store. Last week I attended a conference for Denver Public Schools, and took a class on math notebooking. I shared your amazing resource with all of the teachers and asked the instructors to publish your TPT store on their website. I hope everyone uses your incredible resource. I am moving to 3rd grade this year, but I hope I can still incorporate many of your tools into my classroom! Thank you:)

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  153. I shared this post on my FB page! PS. I love how you used washi tape for your library. Genius and if you change your mind the tape will come right off.

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  154. I shared on Pinterest. Thanks for the great library organization tips!

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  155. great giveaway!!! i tweeted
    https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/493831626753732608

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  156. I'm fairly obsessed with Washi tape and I love your idea!

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  157. I love how you use cubbies for your library. I always stayed away from bookshelves because I figured they would be too easy to mess up and too much to keep organized. Your idea makes so much sense! I shared on Pintrest!

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  158. Awesome idea to use Washi tape. I use coloured stickers.

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  159. Awesome idea to use Washi tape. I use coloured stickers.

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  160. I pinned this giveaway on Pinterest!

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  161. Shared your post on Facebook. Love the Washi Tape idea.... I've got to go through and eliminate a lot of the books I've inherited over the last few years though, they are outdated, and lots are falling apart!

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  162. That is exactly what I just spent my summer doing! Exactly like your with washi tape and all. I hope to win... I love to organize!

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  163. AMAZING IDEA! Shared on Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/brooke_walters/class-library/

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  165. Great idea! I liked you on FB, TPT, and was already a follower on Bloglovin!

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  166. The Tape idea...brilliant and easy!

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  167. I pinned your great giveaway. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/481322278898908831/

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  168. I pinned your giveaway! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/303218987385332078/

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  169. Washi tape - how brilliant! Love, love your blog. Pinned the give-a-way to http://www.pinterest.com/pin/122089839873596453/

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  170. I have shared the giveaway on facebook. I love Washi Tape!

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  171. Love your blog! Have pinned many things on pinterest to promote this contest and blog :)

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  172. Shared via Twitter ~ https://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/494012058371776512.

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  173. Twitter!!! https://twitter.com/nathaliebalduck/status/494020926652952578

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  174. I shared on Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33988172163221548/

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  175. I shared on Facebook and told all of my teacher friends. I wish my library looked this way!

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  176. I was going into the school today to do my library and was wondering how I was going to label my categories. Washi tape! Thanks!

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