I really like the beginning of the school year. It brings a new group of kiddos, fresh school supplies, and a clean slate! I actually enjoy teaching behavior, routines, and procedures…maybe that’s weird. 🙂 The one thing I do find a little overwhelming, however, is getting centers up and running. There’s so much to teach and…… Continue Reading
Does play have a place in literacy instruction? Absolutely! Jean Piaget said it best: “Play is the work of childhood.” If you know me, you know that I have high expectations for my students. I believe that young children can do AMAZING things when it comes to reading and writing. But I also believe that…… Continue Reading
Choice is an important motivator. When our kids have choices during literacy centers, they’re more engaged and more likely to stay on task! And there are many ways to provide choice during literacy centers. We might allow our students to select which centers they visit. Or we may let kids choose the order in which…… Continue Reading
Literacy centers can take a LOT of time to set up, right?! And if you differentiate your literacy centers, that takes even MORE time. However, it’s definitely worth it. Although some center activities can work for learners at all levels, other centers activities are much more valuable when they are differentiated (i.e. word work). So…… Continue Reading
We all know that changing out materials for literacy centers is essential. Introducing new materials helps keep the kids engaged. AND it gives them practice with different skills as we move through the school year. However, we have to think carefully about: How often to switch out materials How and when to teach students to…… Continue Reading
Let me tell you about a teacher who really struggled with literacy centers. Every Thursday, she would write her lesson plans for the following week. When she started planning her centers, she made sure that they matched the skills and goals the class would be working on that week. But she often got stuck trying…… Continue Reading
