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All About Centers! (A freebie guide!)

Hey all and thanks so much for joining me today!  I’m sure you’re wondering what we are doing discussing centers in the spring… but if you’re like me I like to plan ahead!  Are you thinking towards the new year?  Are you ready for a fresh start to your center block?  Alright, let’s more forward… today we are going to be discussing literacy centers!  I get a lot of questions how I run things in my room so I have covered that for you today!  Please know that this is just what’s worked for me… if you love it, get it a shot!  If you want to throw tomatoes then fire away 😉  All of the information shared on the video and on the slides below can be downloaded for FREE here!

 

If you’d like you can click play in the video and then follow along with these slides or on the actual packet from TPT!  The visual quality is a little poor on the actual video!  However, if you love to hear me ramble you’ll want to listen in below 🙂

What ARE independent centers?

 

Wanting to start centers?  Check off these four things and you’ll be on your way!

 

Why do I feel the importance of INDEPENDENT work?

 

The five centers of my day!

 

The up and down pacing of my literacy center block!

 

Sample week of students!

 

A checklist to make sure all students are going to each center during the week!

 

 

Below is a sample of one day’s rotation board!  However, I have added a week’s work of samples for you to view and editable rotation boards that you can download for free HERE!  The student reading levels are only shown for a quick visual of the reading group and would not be shown on the finished boards 😉
I love using my interactive board for center dismissal!  The students can quickly see where they are going and get there quick!  Once you set up the files for the first time you only need to pull the file up and click!  No switching cards everyday, etc!

 

A look at one student’s journey through the literacy center week!

 

A look at ideas for your word work center!

 

A look at ideas for your writing center!

 

Ideas for your technology center!

 

Ideas to go “beyond” book tubs for independent read.

 

Hands-on explore ideas!

 

A closer look at the first four weeks of the literacy center block!

 

 

 

 

Ideas for setting up your writing folders/center

 

Ideas for setting up your word work baskets!

 

 

Independent read options for the kiddos!

 

Ideas to organize your technology center!

 

Explore tub organization!

 

 

A little about about holding kids accountable during literacy centers!

 

Taking time daily to discuss positives and possible something to work on the next day!

 

Transitioning back to the carpet after each round!

 

Ideas on how often to switch out your centers!

 

A couple ideas on how to introduce the new games to your students!

 

The importance of brain breaks during independent work time!

 

 

 

A couple ideas on how to organize your centers!

 

I get a lot of questions from teachers that have purchased several of my packet… and they aren’t quite sure how to mesh them all together!  Below I explain and show a year long pacing of literacy centers, writing center, and explore tub ideas!  I only show one slide below, but once downloading the packet you’ll be able to view all the weeks!

You can download this full guide HERE!  The guide will also have clickable content!

A look at a possible week 1 and 2 literacy centers, writing center material, and explore tub ideas!

 

Below is a look at the packets I utilize throughout the year for literacy centers and writing center!
Sight Words ENDLESS Bundle
Sounds ENDLESS Bundle
Alphabet ENDLESS Bundle
Rhyming ENDLESS Bundle
Vowel Teams ENDLESS Bundle
Taking Back Weekends BUNDLED
Literacy Centers for the Year BUNDLED
a Binder of Literacy Centers
Writing Story Starters

Primary Writing Printables for the YEAR

Below is a look at the themed packets I mentioned!

 Kinder Set 1
Kinder Set 2
Firstie Set 1
Firstie Set 2
Kinder-Firstie Set 1
Second Set 1

If you are interested in the themed packets, then this is a great time to snag them as they are $100 off!  Each bundle contains 250 centers for $0.10 each!

Below is a freebie center for your kiddos!

Are you ready to take over your center time!?  Here is a quick last minute check!

 

I hope you were able to pick up some information and activity ideas for your literacy center block!  Remember that you can download the entire packet along with the free rotation board by click below!  If you are struggling with a part of your literacy block of have questions about mine feel free to email me littlemindsatworkllc@gmail.com
Thanks!  Tara

Related Posts

  • Back to School with Pip the Pup [15 Pip free downloads]Back to School with Pip the Pup [15 Pip free downloads]
  • Pre-K Centers (and a giveaway)Pre-K Centers (and a giveaway)
  • Teacher Appreciation Binding Machine SubmissionTeacher Appreciation Binding Machine Submission
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Comments

  1. Kemberle says

    April 25, 2017 at 10:05 am

    This is great. I’m looking forward to utilizing this. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. linda says

    April 26, 2017 at 4:21 am

    Thank you for making this guide. I now have great ideas for each center using your products!

    Reply
  3. Amber says

    July 20, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    What are in the white baskets on the bottom of your shelf?

    Reply
    • Tara says

      July 21, 2019 at 10:59 am

      Hi there! Those are the tubs that come in the large wooden rolling math manipulative carts!

      Reply

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  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
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  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
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