Centers and Independent Work - Part Two

There are many ways to manage centers.   Some teachers use a pocket chart to show students each rotation for the day. For example, group one will do spelling and guided reading.  Some use clothespins to show students where to go during centers for each rotation.  Some use the whiteboard and sticky notes to color code the groups.  There really is not a right or wrong way to manage centers.
          Ask 3, Then Me is a very simple and straightforward procedure for students to have their questions answered. The students would ask three other students their question before they ask you.  Just remember that you would need to explicitly teach this procedure and give students the chance to practice it. After some practice, you’ll notice that fewer and fewer students are coming to you to ask questions while you are with a small group.         

This is the time when the teacher is pulling small differentiated groups.  During this time, the rest of the students need to be working on tasks that are purposeful and engaging. Students can be working in pairs, groups, or independently to practice grade level skills that have been previously taught whole group. This is center time.  This time isn’t intended to be a time for students to sit and do endless worksheets and packets. It’s not a time for busy work. This is instructional time aimed at helping students become independent learners. There are many authentic ways students can practice literacy skills. Practice makes permanent. The more chances students get to practice a skill, the more successful they will become with it.  And when a student is engaged in an activity, they are more likely to stay on task and less likely to cause disruptions that distract you from your small group instruction.  Hold students accountable for the work they do during centers.  Students should be using their time to learn and you can use their work as formative assessment.  However, don’t take grades on their center work because it is meant to be practice.