Literacy stations. It’s a love/hate relationship. You either can’t run your classroom without them, or you avoid them like the plague. I get it, the idea of organizing reading materials and creating a set of expectations for your centers can feel overwhelming. But no worries. I want to help you learn to love and simplify literacy stations. So today let’s talk about literacy center materials and how we can best manage them.
Organizing Reading Materials
In previous posts, I’ve talked about how it irked me to no end when my kiddos would argue over shared literacy center materials. I had to get creative with my materials, so that eliminated that issue. You can read this blog post about student expectations at reading centers to help with classroom management.
When setting up my classroom, the first thing I do is jot down what I’ll need at each station. Doing this is a must and will help you get organized. Use a notebook to make lists, or grab my free literacy stations planner here. It is so helpful when grouping and organizing center activities.
What Types Of Literacy Center Materials Do You Need?
When making your center list, make sure to remember everything. (No pressure…) From pencils to magnetic letters to glue sticks. When you have an idea of what kind of activities then you can plan your materials.
Consider if you want your students to share materials, or have their own? I found it was easier for me some years to have my kids bring their own crayon boxes to center rotations. It really depends on the year and the group of students. There are times when I throw a bunch of supplies like scissors, glue, etc. on the table, but you’re always going to have the kids who fight over the blue scissors. (You know, because that’s always the best color.) I also found that it helps when students travel with their own materials.
I often make spelling center supply boxes with leftover school boxes. This is where I add magnetic letters or spelling cubes.
How To Set Up Your Reading Materials In Five Minutes Or Less!
Want to know the best literacy center materials hack? Like the secret sauce to managing your literacy materials for the classroom and setting up your reading centers in five minutes or less?
Well, my friend, you’re in luck. Except this is something that is easier to show you. So I’ve made a YouTube video with demonstrations to help you out!
Is it a struggle to teach your students the Seesaw tools? I’ve created a FREE game for your students that will help them learn to use the Seesaw tools responsibly!
Seesaw Scavenger Hunt
Check out my Summer Series
To get you ready for Back To School 2021, I've organized all the best literacy station ideas for you! This past year was rough so let Teaching Firsties do the work for you this summer so you'll be confident and ready to begin school in the fall.
