How-to get started with Shelfari in the Classroom-

Go to http://www.shelfari.com
Click on “Join now.”
In the next window that opens, you will be prompted to
enter your first name and last name. Note that only
friends will see your name. One thing I really like about
Shelfari’s privacy is that even if you give your last name,
no one sees it. Even friends only see each other’s names
as first name, last initial. Even so, when using the site
with 4th graders, I directed them to fill out the name
fields with first name, last initial. I also direct them to
uncheck the updates box. That is a matter of personal
preference; I personally don’t like getting a lot of email
updates.

The way I manage usernames and passwords with

young students is:
I keep everyone’s email address and password in a
google spreadsheet. I try, whenever possible, to have
usernames and passwords for other sites (like Shelfari)
use the same user/PW combinations. This makes it easy
for students to recall and, if forgotten, I can easily
recover the information by checking my spreadsheet.

Note of caution: make sure that your students type in

the email address very carefully and that they are clear
on which email address they should use. Once an
account has been created, the primary email cannot be
changed. A secondary email CAN be added, but it is
difficult to “fix” mistakes in Shelfari, as it will not allow
you to ever create a new account with an already-used
email address, even if you deactivate the original
account.
Once you have created an account, you can start adding
books to your shelf.
Type the name of a book into the search field. As you
type, alternatives will appear and you can choose one if
you like. You can also search by author.

When you find the edition you want, click on the “add”
button below the book.

A box will open & you can check the appropriate box.
When you look under “profile” for “my shelf,” your
selection will be added to that shelf.

After you finish a book, move it, using a drop-down

menu that appears when you mouse-over, to the “I’ve
read” shelf. You can rate the book, write a review, tag
your books and create a shelf of favorites.