What are LITERACY CENTERS?

Teaching with literacy centers provides students with opportunities to work and learn independently while providing teachers with time for small group instruction.   Literacy centers differ from other learning centers because they focus on independent practice with reading, writing, and spelling. 

Literacy centers in the primary classroom target:

Reading

Word Work

Writing and Grammar

Literacy centers in the primary classroom:

Invite children to practice reading and writing.

Inspire children to explore and learn through self-discovery.

Demonstrate the purpose of reading and writing.

Encourage responsibility and independence.

                                               *the above information is from the internet*

In addition to the three literacy centers I will have a theme center (activities related to our theme), a math center (activities to reinforce and enrich) and a computer center (to support classroom learning).

Students will rotate between centers in small groups.  Groups are determined by the teacher and are switched every few weeks or more.  Students will ideally make it through four centers a day and begin where they left off the following day.  Activities/Goals in each center are changed each week. 

While students rotate through the centers I will be meeting with small groups for reading instruction.  This time is spent offering “target” instruction or instruction in a specific area where the child needs support.  This small group approach proves to be very effective.