• Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • 0 items
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • My account
    • Checkout
    • Cart
  • TpT Store
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Teresa Kwant

8 Ways to Make ELA Centers Work in Your Classroom

Featured· Language Arts

4 Jul
ShareTweetGooglePinterestMail

Literacy centers are an important part of any classroom. Especially if you have 32 students, all learning at different levels and needing some intervention time with you on a daily basis. In college I remember being so excited to teach literacy. I love to read, and wanted to pass that passion on to the students I would be teaching. While studying education at the University of Utah, I vaguely remember being warned that teaching would be harder than I expected, but I didn’t let that bother me. My whole life I dreamed of becoming a teacher, and didn’t need anyone scaring me from accomplishing my dream.

Turns out my professors were right. Teaching was harder than I ever expected, but it was also more rewarding than I could ever imagine. My first year I focused on connecting with the students, the standards, and just getting through the day. I tried literacy centers, but had no idea what I was doing. The summer after my first year I came up with a plan; I had a goal to implement literacy centers correctly and I wanted to reach each struggling reader and help them improve. Each year my centers became smoother and more organized. Here are the tips I learned, and what I think are the best practices for implementing literacy centers into the classroom.

#1. Have a plan. This seems obvious, yet it is one of the hardest parts about centers. How many students will be in each group? How many rotations will they visit each day? How will they know when it is time to rotate to a new center? What materials will they use? Will students need any instruction beforehand? These are just a few questions to ask yourself as you are setting centers up. Get a game plan and stick with it. I like students to visit 5-6 centers each day. Student groups over 6 is too many, because your groups should be small enough to be effective. Also, 15-20 minutes is about right for each center. Under 15 is just not enough time to accomplish a task. Click on this pin below to see how organized this teacher is with centers!
#2. Group your students accordingly. This is important, and it depends on what your motive is. Do you want to level your students, so you can work with your students that need extra help with reading daily? Or do you want your higher leveled students helping struggling readers when they are rotating together? I always like grouping my students by level, because it was easier to differentiate for me. I could have my high level students working on one thing, while I give some intense reading instruction to my lower group. At the same time, other students can work on spelling practice using words that are at their level.

#3. Be consistent. This is important! If you choose to have students rotate daily to 5 centers, keep it at 5 always. If students rotate every 15 minutes when you ring a bell, always use the same bell. I also like to keep my rotation “themes” consistent. For example, I like to use the same 5 rotation centers: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Teacher Time.

#4. Make your expectations clear. This is a great blog post that has some ideas on what procedures you should make clear during centers. Click on the pin and you will also find some other awesome center ideas as well 🙂
#5 Make centers meaningful. While you are working with small groups during ELA center time, make sure the other work your students are doing is not busy work. I like to always have a spelling and vocabulary center, because my students always need extra practice with those skills and I don’t feel like I am wasting their time. What can your students do that will help them, and not just keep them occupied? Hands on centers and technology centers are always worthwhile as well.

#6. Students need to be held accountable for their work. During center time, make sure you have a plan in place to keep track of student work. I like having a student folder. Students keep all their work for the week in a folder, and check off each center as they go. Then, at the end of the week they turn the folder into me. I check for work, and give a grade on the folder as a whole, or each individual assignment–depending on what I am looking for that week.

#7 Transitions should be smooth. For me, I have a timer by my side. When the timer goes off, I ring a bell. My students know they then quietly rotate to the next station. Of course, we practice this procedure over and over so they really get it down. Have an idea for what you want, and execute it. This blog post gives some great ideas for transitions that could definitely be used during center time as well.

#8. Make each minute count in your teacher-led group. This means no interruptions. The first year I tried centers I remember students constantly coming up to with things like, “Can I go to the bathroom? Can I get a drink? Where is a pencil? What do I do at this center again?” Don’t forget, make sure your expectations clear. Students should know the bathroom, drink and pencil procedures. Students should know they CAN NOT bug you, (unless of an emergency of course) during center time. Students must know what they are doing in each center, and feel confident that they can accomplish each one without your help.

Literacy centers changed my life! Students could accomplish multiple tasks on their own learning level, and I was able to give those students needing extra attention the time they needed each day.

If you are looking for center work for you classroom, check out these products in my TPT store. Each set is a month long set of centers!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Language-Arts-Centers-for-3rd-4th-5th-and-6th-Grade-Set-3-2623763

Leave a Comment

« Teachers: Always Stay Humble and Kind
Silly Rainbow Sentences »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy * for Click to select the duration you give consent until.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Shop by Category

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Flash Back

  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • July 2017
  • May 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
Family ski days are my favorite!!! #TeresaKwant # Family ski days are my favorite!!!

#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #teachersengaging #iteach345 #teachergram #iteach #UtahUnique #FamilySkiDays
Some days are better than others. This applies to Some days are better than others. This applies to teaching as well.
‍
As adults, it’s easy for us to understand that we have good days and bad days.
‍
However, it is hard to remember that our students are just like us, and they will occasionally have a bad day too.
‍
Classroom management can be one of the toughest things to tackle as a teacher, but it is the MOST important...
‍
Read more on the blog about Promoting Positive Behavior.
‍
How do you promote positive behavior in your class?
‍

#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #digitalteachingresources #distancelearning #virtuallearning #iteachsecond #iteachthird #iteachfourth #iteachfifth #teachersengaging #iteach345 #teachergram #iteach #TeresaKwantBlog #promotepositivebehavior
Monday Night Mantra 💗 Monday Night Mantra 💗
Spring is coming!🙌🏻 🐓🐄 Spring is coming!🙌🏻 🐓🐄
Confession- I have been OBSESSED with Harry Potter Confession-
I have been OBSESSED with Harry Potter since I was 11.
‍
During quarantine, I read the 1st and 2nd books to my kids and then we had a Harry Potter party!
‍
Are you team Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff?!
‍

‍
#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #digitalteachingresources #distancelearning #virtuallearning #iteachsecond #iteachthird #iteachfourth #iteachfifth #teachersengaging #iteach345 #teachergram #iteach #harrypotterfanatic⚡️🤓
Do you have a difficult time getting your students Do you have a difficult time getting your students to write, especially during this time of year? 📝
‍
Check out the blog for 3 ways to make journal writing fun!
‍

#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #digitalteachingresources #distancelearning #virtuallearning #iteachsecond #iteachthird #iteachfourth #iteachfifth #iteach345 #iteach
‍
*Click Link Tree in profile then Blogs
Make Math FUN!! 🙌🏻 ‍ ‍ #TeresaKwant #Te Make Math FUN!! 🙌🏻
‍

‍
#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #digitalteachingresources #distancelearning #virtuallearning #iteachsecond #iteachthird #iteachfourth #iteachfifth #teachersengaging #iteach345 #teachergram #iteach #HiddenPictureTiles
‍
*Link to store in blog
Happy Valentine's Day to all of my friends and fam Happy Valentine's Day to all of my friends and family!
‍
I hope your day is filled with love, happiness and lots of chocolate :)
‍

#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #digitalteachingresources #distancelearning #virtuallearning #iteachsecond #iteachthird #iteachfourth #iteachfifth #teachersengaging #iteach345 #teachergram #iteach #valentinesday2021❤
❤️Truth-I sure miss being able to help in my s ❤️Truth-I sure miss being able to help in my son and daughter's classrooms for Valentine's Day parties this year!
‍

#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #digitalteachingresources #distancelearning #virtuallearning #iteachsecond #iteachthird #iteachfourth #iteachfifth #teachersengaging #iteach345 #teachergram #iteach #valentinesday2021
Are you scrambling to find some Valentine's Day ma Are you scrambling to find some Valentine's Day math ideas for your 3rd, 4th and 5th graders that still challenge them while being fun for the holiday? There are some ideas up on the blog!
‍
*Click on Link.Tree in profile then Blog*
‍

‍
#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #ValentinesDayMathIdeas
Do you have your students do journal writing daily Do you have your students do journal writing daily?
‍
These Daily Doodle Journal Writing Prompts for February were created to be printed or done digitally for virtual learning (or in-class fun!)
‍
There are enough prompts for every weekday of the month and they all have February themes! 💜
‍

‍
#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #digitalteachingresources #februaryjournalwriting
fun fact: My dog is one of the loves of my life! H fun fact:
My dog is one of the loves of my life! He is named Trooper after storm troopers (We are Star Wars obsessed!)
‍
Any other golden doodle mommas out there?! 🐕🐩
‍

#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #goldendoodleloversclub
It's my husband's favorite day of the year !!! 😆😆
‍
🏈 We are rooting for Kansas City all the way in our house!
‍
Who are you rooting for tonight?!
‍

‍
#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #digitalteachingresources #Superbowl2021 #kansascitychiefs
💕 Will your class escape in time?! 💕 ‍ Thi 💕 Will your class escape in time?! 💕
‍
This game is unique from my other escape rooms, because it focuses on STEM. Students will be learning about rockets, as well as designing and engineering a balloon rocket.
‍
Suggested materials teachers should have on hand for the STEM project:
regular balloons
long, skinny balloons
tape
straws
finishing line
scissors
‍
*link in bio*
‍

#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #digitalteachingresources #STEM #valentinesdaystemfun
Mother, teacher, wife, stay at home mom, work from Mother, teacher, wife, stay at home mom, work from home mom, working mom... the list goes on...
‍
it doesn't matter.
‍
YOU ARE IMPORTANT! Just do your BEST job! 🧡
‍

#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #TeacherQuotes
Fun Fact: My husband and I love to play in the "gr Fun Fact:
My husband and I love to play in the "greatest snow on earth" in the Utah mountains.
‍
❄️ What's your favorite place to ski?! ❄️
‍

#TeresaKwant #TeachersofInstagram #teacherspayteachers #TeachersFollowTeachers  #TeacherLife #TeachersofUtah #UtahUnique
Follow on Instagram

Sign Up For My Newsletter

Sign up to stay up to date with all the latest!

privacy policy

Copyright © 2018 — Teresa Kwant • All rights reserved.
Site customised by Laine Sutherland Designs

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.