1. Organizing Literacy Centers
Maureen Nosal
Based on work with UVA

2. Literacy Centers
All literacy centers should be purposeful and reinforce literacy concepts and skills taught during directed instruction

3. How do I set up and run my literacy centers?
Select a manageable number of literacy centers
Support the 5 areas of reading and writing
Phonological Awareness
Phonics
Fluency
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Provide a workboard, or visual display, for assigning students to centers
Use a checklist to insure students complete centers
Keep it simple. Centers should be easy to maintain and update

4. Teaching Students to Use Centers
Gradually introduce your literacy centers
- Establish clear expectations for behavior
- Introduce 1 new center each day. Begin with simplest centers and gradually add more complex.
- Practice using a center before adding others.
- Provide oral and written directions
(use icons or pictures for emergent and beginning readers)
Initially, offer guided feedback and support
Always review basic procedures and expectations for centers

5. Teaching Students to Use Centers, con’t
Model routines for using centers:
- how to read the work board
- how to use the center materials
- how to share and talk with classmates
- how to clean up
Anticipate potential problems at centers
Have small groups role play problems, e.g., arguing over a book, missing materials, etc…
Let children help to create peaceful solutions

6. What does a work board look like?
A work board includes:
Names of the centers
Children in each group
Post it in a central location that is eye-level for students
Use words, icons, pictures, and photos to help students understand the board
Teach students to use the work board independently

7. Management Boards Self-selection system Assigned rotation systems

8. How do students move from center to center?
At first, model and practice transitions in small groups.
Move by groups at the beginning of center time.
Limit the number of people at a center
Designate 1 center to handle back ups
ALWAYS review the transition process daily with students. Let the class help to brainstorm and to evaluate transitions
Provide positive feedback for smooth transitions

9. How much time is spent at centers?
Timed Centers
Give a pre-determined time for each center
Use a timer
Build in 1-2 minutes for clean-up
Use a checklist to hold students accountable
Untimed Centers
Students move at their own pace as they complete their work
Keep a checklist for clean-up at the center
Prioritize particular centers to be completed