Literacy stations are unlike centers in that stations are most effective as the practice or review of a skill that has been mastered in the classroom; whereas centers may serve as an introduction to new learning. Literacy stations are typically set up for students to rotate through in groups or teams. Centers are often focused on the skill and not the activity. In cooperative stations, students work together, often being assigned an individual role within the team. In contrast, centers may involve students working independently in the same area.

Emma Zayas

Display specific rules for station time
[saved from Shelli Usrey Cole]

Writing Station

• Using student drafts...
• Grammar Practice Center
  
• Sentence Imitation Center
  
• Revision Center
  
• Peer / Self Editing Center

Reading Station

• Partner or Small Group Reading
  
• Characterization Center
  
• Theme Center
  
• Key Ideas Center
  
• Fluency Center
  

Genre Station

• Author's Craft Center
• Author's Purpose Center
• Connecting Genres Center
  

Technology Station

• Watch or Make Video Clips
• Record Oral Responses
• Listen to Audio Books
  
• Online Research (independent, hot list, web quest, etc.)

• Online Instruction (Achieve3000, No Red Ink, etc.)

Structured Independent Reading (SIR) Station

• Using self-selected text...
• Complete accountability task echoing mini-lesson or other station practice

Small-Group Center

• Teacher-lead instruction
• Strategic, performance-based grouping
  
• RTI
  

File folders are the gold standard of learning centers. Pocket folders, manila file folders, or trifold -- all configurations are easy and accessible for all grade levels. Laminate explicit instructions and affix to the inside folder. Include plenty of reproducibles for the students' interactive notebooks. Provide manipulatives stored in Ziplock bags or envelopes.

When finished with the activity, file the folder away for future use.

Bifold examples
Trifold example

This type of learning center is not constrained by logistics. There's no need to physically group students; they may collaborate electronically. Paperless centers also permit more multimedia opportunities.

Upper-Level Example

Setting up classroom literacy centers need not be a daunting task. Slowly incorporate two or three stations at a time. Collaborate with other teachers to share the burden.

Start-Up Packet

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