Using Centers for Upper Elementary Kids

When you think of literacy stations, what do you envision? It’s likely that you picture a kindergarten, first, or second grade classroom. However, it’s so impactful to use centers for your big kids too! I learned this after making the jump from teaching kindergarten to fourth grade.

By the end of this episode, I know that you’ll be able to see the value in working centers into your daily routine for third-fifth grade. Not only do centers give you time to work in small groups or one on one with students, but they also help build independence. After some up-front modeling and planning, centers act as a great time to practice new skills and revisit past ones.

In this episode I share:

• 4 reasons why I love using centers with upper elementary students
• How to select the activities for each of your centers
• Getting your students’ opinions on what is found in the centers
• Tips on making centers engaging for students
• Examples of ways you can make your centers evergreen and no-prep
• Managing your centers with ease

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Reading Graphic Organizers
• Reading Trifold Brochures
• Reading Response Question Rings
• Writing Centers Poster and Paper

Connect with Megan:

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About The Literacy Dive Podcast:

Do you find yourself seeking new ideas when it comes to literacy instruction in elementary classrooms? The Literacy Dive Podcast was created to offer actionable steps and to share information for teachers, like you, who are always looking to improve their craft! ELA is our jam and we are excited to dive into all things reading and writing with you!

Your host, Megan Polk, is the creator and owner behind Miss P’s Style. She is a literacy specialist and loves to support students and their teachers with curriculum, literacy instruction, best practices, and engaging literacy activities. Through this podcast, she will share literacy tips and strategies that she has learned from the many years of experience she holds from being an elementary teacher and literacy specialist. Megan has taught all elementary grades (K-5), but an intense passion and love for upper elementary came about!

Dive in with us every Monday for a new episode from Megan! She, and her guests, will chat about various literacy topics and will bring you tips and tricks that can easily be implemented in your classrooms… immediately!

You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and more! If you find value from listening to this podcast, please rate this show, leave a review, and subscribe!