Literacy Centers

Overview

Literacy centers with reading games, manipulatives, and activities support learner interests and promote the development of more complex reading skills and social interactions. Having centers or stations with activities that students can do independently and with peers supports differentiation and allows them to meaningfully practice different reading skills.

Depending on the types of activities a teacher chooses for each literacy center, students can practice a variety of skills:
- Games, manipulatives, and word sorts can be used to target Phonological Awareness, Morphological Awareness, and Decoding.
- Providing books and reading materials at varying levels of complexity allows for choice while also strengthening Narrative Skills and Background Knowledge.
Products are often used as both a collaborative and independent center activity. They can provide extra practice, including guided practice for students who need extra support.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how this first grade teacher implements literacy centers in her classroom. By using various materials like pocket charts and magnet letters, she has engaging stations where students practice and apply what they are learning, like Alphabet Knowledge and Phonological Awareness.

Cooperative learning methods, such as [partner read-alouds][1] and [reciprocal teaching][2], support reading comprehension while also boosting Social Awareness & Relationship Skills.

Design It into Your Product

Teachers also have the opportunity to work with a small group on a targeted skill to support individual needs.

View References

Resources

Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

Developing Behaviors for Cooperative Learning

Module by Sanford Inspire

Learning Communities

Subtopic that includes research on communities of learners on Digital Promise's Research Map

Literacy Centers

Implementation tips and grouping options

Small Group Activities

Literacy center ideas to promote reading growth from a district

Station Rotation

Video on using stations for differentiation

Student Center Activities

Florida Center for Reading Research activities by grade level