Lit Stations and Word Work Linky

It's a 2-for-1 deal!

First, I'm joining in on Mrs. Dilliard's Lit Station Linky party!





It's not QUITE as detailed as hers, but you can see how I set up my centers.  In an earlier {POST}, I showed how my classroom was set up, and you can see it there, but here's a little more details :)

So, I have changed my methods a BAZILLION times, and I've finally found what works best (for me). Some years I have to change how many centers they do because of time constraints (like last year, they did 2 centers a day, 3 days a week. This year, they do 1 center a day, 5 days a week. But that's because we lack the time available that I've had in the past for my reading block- I like to take over the 90 minute requirement, but this year, there's just no budging). But this is how the centers are displayed. (I used to use the hanging file folder pocket chart- I LOVED it, but I found that the clips were always trapping in the papers, so I switched to this.)


Each morning, the students pick their center (I've rarely had a class where I have had to tell them where they are going. Although I have had times where I've taken centers away for a week or two to show them I mean business when it comes to proper behavior.) They put their numbered clip on a center that has remaining holes. The holes show that there are vacancies for that center - no holes? Can't choose it! Now, both sides have holes because I've done centers where they choose two for the day...just not this year. So I've put their other clip away for now.

Then, during center time, they go get their corresponding bucket...the labels are interchangeable with Velcro because I have like 10-12 different center titles I can choose from to label each center, and they change weekly. 

Then, they take their tub and their partner and fund a spot in the room and do their center! Now, during this time, I'm calling students back to do guided reading groups, so sometimes they might be without their partner, but most of the time they can finish their centers without their partners being there.

When they are finished, they just put it on their desk and take some A.R. quizzes (we are REALLY trying to promote that with these kids...) while they are waiting for me to call their group to the back table. After I have seen all the groups (yes, I see each group every day), it's time for me to check of their center menu. They have to have that day's center on their desk along with their menu (and dated!) for me to check. That's when I quickly "grade" their centers and sign off their menu. Here's what this week's menu looks like just to give you an idea. Each week, I try to match the centers, of course with the skills, but also with the "Theme" for the week...hence all the weather stuff.

The Author Study Center is from a {POST} I just did recently. That is their center twice a month, so they can get their Tic-Tac-Toe (they can't choose the A.R. quizzes for their center, that is on their own time). 
And the Spelling center is.....oh wait - that's another linky!

Now....here's the 2nd linky I'm joining in this 2-for-1 blog: Mrs. Patton's Word Work Linky
There are so many different ways that my kids practice their word work....but here's their current favorite way: Scrabble Spelling! (and the best part....they're practicing adding! shhh!! Don't tell them! lol)

Click {HERE} to get a copy of the Scrabble Spelling paper
I bought some extra Scrabble Tiles off of Ebay (didn't feel like printing, laminating, and cutting lol), and voila - a center!



Our next way to practice our Words is to do with the value of coins - eek!!! I know, but I'll post about that one too :)


Happy Teaching!


7 comments

Delighted said...

My kiddos love using the scrabble pieces for all kinds of word activities! I begged everyone that I knew (and some I didn't know) for their scrabble game pieces. Now my cup runneth over...

First Grade Delight

Mel D said...

I am your newest follower! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog & joining the linky party. I just had a redesign so you might want to grab my new button instead of the one you have...so sorry. I have been seeing that scrabble pic ALL OVER PINTEREST! I will be giving you a shout out this week & hope you get to 100. Where did you get those containers..I must have them. Great ideas!
Peace, Mel D
http://www.seusstastic.blogspot.com

Jen R said...

Hi Mel!
i LOVE your blog! I frequently stalk it :) Thank you for the future shout out! I will definitely grab your new button! I got the containers at either wal-mart or target...they are very sturdy and are working out REALLY well with my kiddos! i was so excited when I came up with the idea :)

Miss Squirrels said...

Hi Jen!
I am your newest follower! (It's fun to say that!)
I love those containers... I think I am going to convert (over the summer as I sneak school stuff into the cart as the Mr isn't looking.....:)
Staci
Going Nutty!

Beth said...

Jen,
I would love to have you contribute to Foldables Week. We are going to do Math on Monday, Language Arts on Tuesday, Science on Wed and Social Studies on Thursday. Will you let me know which day or days (!) you would prefer and I will link you up! Just send me an email!
thinkingofteaching@gmail.com
Beth
Thinking of Teaching

teaching fashionista said...

Hi Jen! I love your ideas and the way you have explained everything..I've been trying my hardest to make my charts work for group work! I love that you have the holes there that might just work for me too!
check out teaching fashionista.blogspot.com!
LOVE your BLOG!

Unknown said...

Great resource!!! Thank you my friend!

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