Center Based
Literacy Centers
Guided reading centers are a crucial component for literacy instruction. Center based learning is an instructional strategy I utilize to increase student choice in the classroom. During guided reading centers, each student spends 20-minutes at ‘exploration station.’ Students check the station chart and go to the library, writing station, or word work station. At each station, students are able to choose what they work on. In the library, students are able to choose any book from the classroom library. I have organized the library based on genre and skill level. At the writing station. Students choose to write a letter, build and write CVC words, or write a response to writing prompt. At the word work station students choose from a variety of sight word games.
At my table, I use magnetic letters to develop students phonological awareness during the word work portion of instruction. I use Elkonin boxes and magnetic letters for students to practice their phoneme blending skills. I am able to introduce new information as well as review skills learned during whole group. In this picture, students are practicing phoneme blending as well as r-blends. Blending is a skill that was introduced whole group, while I introduced r-blends to this group of students during guided reading. Students are using their arm to help them tap out each sound, then blend them together. This helps students develop the skill to use while they are reading. Students also use this skill during work work centers. Giving guided practice at my table helps give them the tools and confidence the need to complete the task independently. The work work center discussed below shows a student using blending to read CVC words.
This video shows a student using the blending skills she learned whole group and practiced at my table during guided reading to read CVC words and match them to the appropriate picture. This directly aligns to first grade standard RF.1.2.B "Orally produce single-syllable words by blending sounds (phonemes), including consonant blends." This activity is one word work station students are able to choose from during the exploration station center. This independent pratice is an instructional strategy that helps students continually use the skills they are developing during center rotations.
The video shown here is of students playing sight word Candyland. this engaging and exciting game helps students master the 60 first grade sight words I teach throughout the year. This game not only encourages students to master the words as they are only able to move their game piece if they read the word correctly, it also gives students more opportunities to be exposed to and practice the words. I introduce sight words during whole group and practice them during guided reading. The books we read during small group instruction feature primarily sight words. When students master the sight words they are able to read the books more fluently and progress to more challenging text levels.