Take inspiration from classic literature for your class books. For example, if you just read, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin, write a class book that lists the children instead of animals. Write your own silly version of folktales, allowing the children to change the characters or the plot.
Use class books to commemorate special events in your classroom, or to describe routines. Take photos of the children involved in daily activities. Glue the photos into a book, along with text describing the action. Make a class book detailing field trips, holidays or special projects. Take photos of the children expressing emotions and make a class book on emotions. Add text that describes what to do when you are feeling sad, mad or frightened.
Some books are best written as a group. Use a chart to write down the children's ideas during group time and then transpose the ideas into a book. Other books are made by giving each child a piece of paper and assigning that child one part of the story. Later the papers are compiled into one book. Use the children's own words whenever possible and add colorful drawings, collage or paintings to illustrate the books. Make the books at least 12 inches high and 12 inches wide.
Finish the books with a laminated, tag board cover for durability. Assemble the books using yarn or metal hoops. Use a comb-binding machine if possible, for an attractive, long-lasting book.
Place the books in the story corner so children can access them freely. Children often read these books repeatedly throughout the year. Send books home with the children to share with their families. Sharing these books with families creates enthusiasm for reading and writing, and also communicates to parents what is happening in the classroom.