Effective Literacy Centers

           

 

        Literature is something that many children today struggle with. Some have trouble reading, some have trouble writing and some struggle with both. Teachers need to learn how to support all learners in a literacy classroom. This is a difficult task but all students are so diverse and excel or fail in so many different ways. It is the teacher’s job to dig deep and assess students to figure out what will help their students individually learn the most efficient way.

            Meeting with readers in small groups is one way to help students. This allows them to work with peers to help figure out what they are reading. The students can then discuss what they think all together. The teacher can then meet with each group to find out their progress. I think it is important for questions to be given before, during and after the reading. It is ideal that the student is making predictions before, and discussing while they are reading. It is important that they are relating the book to their own every day lives. A set of questions that they need to answer will help them in concentrating on the material. This will help the students with their reading comprehension. In addition, I think it is important for students to have a chance to do free reading. This will allow the student to think individually and make predictions on what they think and not be influenced by others ideas. It is important that the teacher meets with the students on an individual basis as well. I also think it is key to have a large group discussion on a book that the class reads together.

            Another idea could be doing books on tape. This could be for a student that struggles with the reading and is better at listening and following along. Having writer’s workshop with guided reading books is also something beneficial. If the students get the practice in groups then writing and revising will become much more natural.

            Having learning centers in a classroom is also ideal. By creating small areas in the classroom where students can work alone or together to explore literacy activities while the teacher provides small group reading instruction is also helpful. By having about 5 to 6 different centers in your room allow the kids to become more versatile. They will rotate through centers according to their schedule.

            Students need guidance, structure, routine and practice in order to become experts a literature. It surely does not happen over night and is something that students will get after time, hard work and practice.