I have been using Literacy Stations in my classroom since I started teaching 11 years ago. I’ve used them in first-third grades and have found them beneficial for all students. I decided to start a little blog series during the month of January that will cover all things Literacy Stations.
So to start off – I decided to answer a few questions about Literacy Stations to introduce us to the topic…
What are Literacy Stations?
Literacy stations are literacy based activities that students can work on independently.
They provide practice and differentiation with reading and writing skills. Some stations can offer review for students while also offering challenge activities for students who are ready.
Stations are more student driven and less teacher driven.
They do not need to be changed out weekly – stations can run with the same activities all year long making less work for the teacher.
Literacy stations when up and running can free the teacher up to pull small groups.
Why do I like using Literacy Stations in my classroom?
Students are independently working on reading and writing skills which makes it possible for me to pull literacy small groups.
Students have choices in the activities that they are working on.
There are options that provide built-in differentiation.
They are working with a partner or group of 3, which provides practice working with others.
Students are rotating stations each day so no one is bored doing the same activity multiple times in a row.
Once it’s set-up – it’s up and running. I do not have to change out stations each week. I do add things throughout the year, but since there are multiple choices at each station – kids are more likely to be engaged.
No worksheets – I’m not a fan of worksheets and while they are some recording sheets this is not a sit down and do your workbook type of time. Students are practicing reading, creating writing pieces, and playing games. Much more engaging then doing a few pages in a workbook.
Where did I get most of my ideas and inspiration?
I’ve gotten many ideas, especially when I was just starting out, from Debbie Diller. She has two excellent books about literacy stations. Literacy Work Stations is geared towards K-2 teachers. Practice with Purpose is geared towards 3-6 teachers.
I also have been through a training at a past school.
I’ve also researched ideas online and implemented/created ideas of my own.
What will this blog series include?
This blog series will run through the rest of January.
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