IN my previous post, I laid out how the literacy center tubs will move about.  You may wonder…how those categories of stations are differentiated? Easy-peasy!

EACH tub has its own rotation identifier, in my case  it will be the cute farm animals.  There are four rows of five in my tub stations cabinet.  So, there are five pig centers, five, goats, etc.  Students can identify their independent level tub by the blue, green, yellow or red dot on the tub.  This way I can have mixed groups working at tables–a plus for struggling learners who need someone to show them how to do an activity when I am working at the guided group table.  I see this as a win-win for everyone! (in the mock-up below, the tubs are the colors of my guided groups, so the color dots would not  be necessary–students would just use their group color).  My tubs are clear, so the color dots work well.

AS you view the graphic above, you may wonder why two red dot tubs in each category? My reasoning comes from years of experience watching emergent readers.  They tend to want to work quickly through the activities; therefore I have two choices on the table that day for early finishers.  Students at any level can use the tub, so it can be a fine motor activity, writing, coloring and reading an emergent reader or any other beneficial activities that are seasonal or appropriate to the time of year.

WHY do a rotation in this manner? Structure! Having reduced movement in the classroom because I have already prepped the tables (even if the tubs must move to a larger area), keeps students rotating through all activities during the week.  During Friday choice time, they can revisit activities they especially enjoyed earlier in the week.  \

WHERE do I plan to look for the activities we will use all year?  Teachers Pay Teachers is an invaluable resource, one that I continually go to for fresh materials.  However, attending quality professional development during the summer is irreplaceable! Sessions can open your eyes to other methods of helping little learners!  What will I do this summer?

I am going to #frogstreetsplash ! I have the honor of being a Frog Street Blog Ambassador! Along with meeting many of my online “bloggy” friends who are admired to the moon and back, I know the sessions will be top notch! With an incredible lineup of presenters, there is much to be gained! Fresh Ideas…here I come! Just look at the lineup for this July 21-23!!!

These blog ambassadors also have great articles on #frogstreetsplash! Follow these links for more information:

76 Things Teachers Really Want at the End of the School Year

Krystal Radke from Creative in Life

http://kreativeinlife.com/summergoals/

For other ideas on ways to save time in your classroom, check out our TRENDING chat at #TeacherFriends from 5/31/2016! Amazing resource!

https://storify.com/maggieskinder/teacherfriends-chat-with-maggie-hufstedler