for JHE - independent centers

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for JHE - independent centers
By melanie

Because I have a multiage classroom (1,2,3) rotating centers are not practical. It would be difficult for first graders to rotate to a center that third graders were just at. My students work on task sheets and keep all
their completed work in a folder for the week. They have a task sheet titled "Weekly Planner". I have their tasks for the week listed along the left edge of the paper and then they mark them off as they complete them. They are free decide the order they complete their tasks. The tasks this week are:
Accelerated Reader Test
Add "ed" ( I have a list of ten words on the board and

they are to add the past tense to them and write them down. I have cvc and silent e words on the list to make it thought provoking.)
Write the room (On the board each week is a different thing to look for. This week they are to find twenty verbs. Last week they looked for twenty words with the long E sound.
Dictionary Work: I have index cards with words related to our theme. They are to pick a card and complete a form. (Page in dictionary, guide words, definition, etc.)
Picture Story: I have laminated different pictures from National Geographic. They are in a tub and students pick one and describe it to me so that I know exactly which picture they used.
Book Report: Varies
Making Words: Pocket chart with different chunks to make new words with each week
Listening Center
Daily Language (I copy a week's worth from a book and put it in their folders)
Etc, etc.
I keep some things on the sheet most of the year. The students are to complete all items by Friday. It is their resposibility to keep track of tasks and staple everything together with the planning sheet at the end of the week or when complete. For early finishers I have specific things they can do.
It all works soooo smoothly after we practice it for a week or so. I can do guided reading without any interruptions. Students are to keep voices at a quiet table voice level during this time.