Yolanda U. Trapp
(For all grades)
Centers, Centers, Everywhere....
Objective:
We need centers that engage learners and provide the space, resources, and means for students to practice what they are learning in order to move them on toward independence. The Centers I am describing are samples for places where children can read and write the poems chosen for the unit.
@Text:Reading Center
Reader's Place:
All learners need a place to cozy up with a book, in this case the poem we decided to learn and to read about the author's life. The place could be an old bathtub or a loft, a bean bag chair or the back seat from an old car; or just a piece of old shag rug; adding some boxes of shelves with bought, borrowed, or classroom-made books.
Procedure:
Cluster students in groups of four or five and give each cluster two poems. Their task is to decide which poem they'd like to read together and how to present it to the class. Students choose the parts they want in the choral readings so everyone is comfortable. If part of the poem is too difficult to be read alone, a student might read with a partner of choose to read the repeating phrase.
For the next few days, students search for poems, read them aloud, and copy down their favorites. We attach adhesive notes to the finished copies and hang them around the room. Students shop for copies they want to include in their personal anthologies by writing their names on the notes. Teachers, too sign up, for we are also discovering new poets for our own anthologies.
Assessments:
Assessments are maintained in individual reading, and writing portfolios. The theme usually culminates in a student-designed project for display to parents and other classes.
