As they begin to explore fractions, our second graders need to start with tangible, concrete representations. Providing hands-on experiences with fractions can provide powerful visuals and allow students to manipulate and experiment with these new concepts, making fractions come to life as students establish a basic understanding. You’ll then be able to extend their knowledge, […]
learning centers
Ways to Use Digital Word Work Mats
Word building activities with multisensory word work materials were always a go-to learning center in my second grade classroom. These days, with some students learning at home and strict sanitation practices in place in classrooms that are learning in person, hands-on letter manipulatives aren’t always a feasible option. Digital word work activities are a great […]
Storage Solutions for Multisensory Word Work Materials
Multisensory word work practice plays an important role in developing fluency with sight words and phonics patterns, but center rotations go by quickly. When my students visit the word work center, I want them to get to work quickly and engage with the materials in a focused and meaningful way. This can be difficult to […]
Multisensory Sight Word Centers with Visual Directions
When I first started teaching it took a lot of coaching and repeated practice to teach my beginning readers and language learners to work with multisensory materials like playdough, letter stamps, and magnet letters appropriately and independently. I couldn’t write out directions for them because they couldn’t yet read them. I ended up missing out […]
Tips for Stress-Free Learning Center Activities
I love that running daily learning centers in my classroom gives me the opportunity to work with small groups and differentiate my guided reading instruction. It also encourages my students to build independent and partner work skills. Over the years, I’ve learned that thoughtful planning and routines are key to setting up my classroom for […]