Books I read to the kids but don't want ruined are put up on shelves high enough that the kids can't reach. (They include books with a holiday theme that are read during a specific time of year. I also put expensive versions of classics and books with specific themes that I use/need as part of my curriculum out of reach.) Board books, duplicates of my special books, donated books and books that aren't in the best shape are put on shelves and in baskets and bins where the kids can easily reach them.

I try to teach the kids from an early age to handle books gently but I know the books within their reach are going to get walked on, chewed on and ripped. I only let the kids have access to the books I'm willing to toss once they get ruined. I buy a lot of books inexpensively at library sales, Scholastic Book warehouse sales and am lucky to have a lot donated to me so it doesn't hurt so much when I have to toss them.

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