Literacy Centres

Kindergarteners already have the impulse to ask questions, to investigate, and to explore, examine, and experiment. This passion for learning comes from a natural curiosity about the world and a desire to understand the things around them. Young learners grow and gain knowledge by interacting with each other, with adults, and with materials that require the use of all of their senses. Knowing this, I spend time planning developmentally appropriate literacy centres that will encourage growth and open ended learning throughout the year.

In my classroom, I have literacy centres in clear plastic tubs so the children can see exactly what is inside. They are encouraged to try new centres and change their centres as often as they would like- this time is completely student directed and they should be encouraged to take charge. I love how literacy centres encourage purposeful play as it is an active form of learning that encourages discovery and exploration. Currently, I have 30 minutes of literacy centres a day. If we miss a day due to an assembly or other event the children beg for the time to be made up!  It is a favourite part of the day for everyone!

Before launching literacy centres it is important to make sure the children have certain strategies and skills, such as making decisions, carrying out plans, cooperating and sharing with others, and problem-solving, in order to play and learn independently. I normally teach this by introudcing centres one by one at the beginning of the year.

While the children are engaged in purposeful play I am able to do quick formative assessments or I am able to work with small groups. Other jobs during literacy centre time are to:

• Observe
• Listen
• Ask questions
• Show what to do when help is needed
• Support first attempts
• Participate in activities
• Talk and have discussions with my students
• Help my students make discoveries and connections
• Share my knowledge and expertise

I love literacy centres and think they are important because they allow children to:

• express themselves
• relax
• take risk without fear
• dictate their own learning
• freely choose and play with things they find interesting
• investigate and explore
• work together
• role play

Below are some pictures of literacy centres in my classroom.

Big books, whisper phones, wikki stix, cookie sheets, letter magnets, sight words, felt stories, popcorn words, alphabet practice, write the room, read the room, little books, and play dough are a few off the top of my head. I have also included a picture of our literacy centre choice board. I change the cards each day so new centres are open, this helps the children stay excited about literacy centres everyday!