Literacy Center

In order for students to become interested in literacy it is very important that it is presented in an appealing manner. Therefore, I will strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment that will invite students to enter and explore the world of books. In my center I will include a variety of materials that will allow students to practice and improve in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I would like my literacy center to look similar to the one below:

Reading:
One of the books I will use in my literacy center is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. For this book I will begin by introducing the story and discussing important information about the book. For instance we will discuss the front cover, back cover, and author of the story. After introducing the I will read the story with the class. We will read the story together as a group. As we read I will encourage the students to help with the familiar site words they have learned in previous lessons and the repeated parts of the book.

Writing:
For the writing portion of my literacy center I will provide the students with a variety of worksheets containing practice writing materials related to the book. These worksheets will consist of tracing, color by number, cut and paste matching, and more. Finally, I will encourage students to practice writing their ABC's and other short stories inspired by the books they read in their journals.

Listening: 
I will incorporate technology in my literacy center by providing my students with tablets/computers and head phones that will allow them to view the you tube version of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. This will allow students to review the story at anytime and enable them to follow along with the story on the computer screen. Additionally, I will utilize websites like ABCmouse.com, pbskids.com, and abcya.com to provide students with fun educational activities that will improve their reading skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-V4zzXzpT8

Speaking: 
To make this story more fun I will provide my students with a magnetic board with the coconut tree and letters. Additionally, I will provide the students with a CD of the alphabet song to allow them to sing along and act out the words with the magnetic board. Finally, students will also be able to use this to create their own alphabet songs and perform for the class. As students improve they can utilize the magnetic letters to form words or messages for other students.

 All subjects taught in school are important, but literacy is one of the most important. All other subjects revolve around literacy. A students ability to read, write, and communicate verbally will determine their success as adults. Everything we do in life requires us to read and write. This what makes literacy centers so important. Literacy centers should draw students in and encourage them to learn. Additionally, they allow teachers to provide students with a variety of learning activities from all developmental areas in a fun and welcoming manner. All in all, literacy centers can be great assets to teachers when utilized to their full potential.

A well designed literacy center should be ever changing. As the students interests and seasonal topics change so should the center. This will also allow teachers to incorporate a wide variety of common core standards in center activities. However, for the purpose of my literacy center I will only label the standards I feel apply to the activities I chose.

 Common Core Standards:
RL.K.10 & RI.K.10
Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.

RI.K.5
Identify the front cover, back cover, and title page of a book.

W.K.5
With guidance and support from adults, respond to questions and suggestions from peers and add details to strengthen writing as needed.

SL.K.1
participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics adn texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

L.K.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.