Literacy Learning Centres:

Some Ideas

Grades 3 – 6 Proof Reading To develop the children’s skills in

proof reading.Texts to proof readSheet to use as a guide, see Spell It Out! PageA range of dictionaries and spell checkers

Children proof read texts, marking in alterations and additions. They can come together as a group and compare responses.

Dictionary Skills To develop the student’s skills in using a dictionary.

A range of dictionaries Activity sheets (developed by the teachers). See example in Spell It Out! Page

Children complete activity sheet focusing aspects of dictionary use.

Word Origins To develop an interest in words and word origins

A range of dictionaries (including dictionaries of etymology)Paper / Pens / TextasColored cardboard

Students write out and collect notes on original words. Those could be kept in a special book displayed around the room.

Word Snakes To practice spelling skills. GridList of topic words or words being studied Pens / pencils

Game similar to Scrabble, but teacher can use list words which are the class focus, to example topic words or words with specific pattern. For more information, see W.A. First Steps Spelling Resource Book.

Spell-a-ma-doodle To reinforce correct spelling of words.

PaperColored texts

Games To reinforce spelling skills.To develop interest and enjoyment in our language.

A range of teacher made and commercially produced games.

Children are given time to select and play with games.

Newspaper Scavenger Hunt To reinforce key components of newspapers.To reinforce a range of reading skills.

Copies of newspapersScavenger Hunt listPaperScissors and glue

Students have to find a range of component the daily newspaper, cut them out and record.(See sample sheet)

Atlas Chase To reinforce skills required when using an atlas, for example, locating places, using a grid.

Copies of atlasesPaper and pencilsAtlas Chase activity sheet

Students are required to work through a series of activities, locating certain landmarks and recording where they were found.

Class Magazine / Newspaper To develop the children’s skills in writing for a particular audience and in developing a piece of writing for publication.

Computer or writing materials Children are given time to draft and work through articles for the class magazine or newspaper.

Literature Circles To discuss responses to a text. Multiple copies of text read by the students.Lists of questions as discussion starters.

Students discuss aspects of a text they have all read or listened to.

Reading Comprehension:Fiction

To extend the students’ comprehension of text.

Range of reading comprehension activities, for example:

Plot ProfileCharacter RatingPolice ReportCharacter Self-PortraitStory GrammarTime LinesWanted Poster

See W.A. First Steps Reading Resource Book, pages 88-109

Students undertake an activity about a story they are about to read, have read or listened to.Activity may be appropriate before, during or after reading the text. Teachers may select one or provide a range of activities for students to choose from.

Reading Comprehension:Non-Fiction

To extend the students’ comprehension of text.

Range of reading comprehension activities, for example:

Data (Retrieval) ChartsThink SheetInteresting Word ChartGraphic OutlineSemantic Grids

See W.A. First Steps Reading Resource Book, pages 59-87

Students undertake an activity about an informational text they are about to read, have read or listened to.Activity may be appropriate before, during or after reading the text.Teachers may select one or provide a range of activities for students to choose from.

Graffiti Board To allow students time to write for their peers and themselves and to develop creativity and design.

Poster paper or white boardTextas or whiteboard markers

Students are given the opportunity and time to decorate or write on the graffiti board using pictures, designs, words, etc.

T.V. Viewing Guides To reinforce skills needed when using a T.V. guide

A range of television guides Paper and pens

Students write out a ‘viewing path’ for themselves. Record including program, time and channel. This could be adapted so that students choose programs from another audience.

Catalogues To reinforce skills needed when using catalogues.

A range of catalogues Paper and pencils

Students are allocated a certain amount of money. They select items they would like to buy. List total.

Phone Number Find To extend the children’s skills in using telephone books to locate

Phone booksSheets requesting phone numbers

Students are given sheets with a list of phone numbers to locate and record.

Adapted from Julie Shepherd1997