Literacy centers

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Home : 2004 : January : 4

Literacy centers
By Debbie

Hi all,
Perhaps the difficulty might lie in the choices you have for students while you are conducting small group instruction. Centers should all revolve around something purposeful to the standards...some possibilities:
Little book tubs (read X number of little books at the child's independent reading level), book browse (could be telling the story in pictures or retelling a story), writer's notebook, word work (magnetic letters, chalkboard), buddy read, listening center with book response, poetry-read/illustrate, read/write the room, big book, charts/poems, interactive charts, author study responses,

handwriting...these are some possibilities for Language Arts Block.
Also, it is MUCH easier to use a work board or planning sheet, rather than doing a center a day or timed centers...a workboard or planning sheet allow students to complete tasks at their pace.
Expect children to be accountable thru writing their book choices on the back of their plan, working with a partner helps too.
Some other possibilities could work during LAB time-restaurant, office, etc. as long as reading/writing are directly involved.
Some teachers wear a hat or a special garment-to signal students NOT to interrupt. Examine your routines, be sure every task is open ended so all may succeed at the same activity. Be sure to rove the room after each group so you are available to answer questions before getting involved with another group. It's difficult to conduct small groups if you change the center routines often.
Have a wonderful new year, now's our best time of the year to facilitate learning! ;-D