I believe it’s crucial to give students explicit lessons tailored to their exact level in reading and writing. While I use other strategies to cater to different abilities during whole-class activities, literacy rotations provide the perfect opportunity to focus solely on one group at a time.
Here’s how I make it work:
1. Daily Rotations
Every day, I run literacy rotations, dividing my class into five groups. This setup ensures that each group gets one explicit, targeted session with me every week. During these sessions, I focus on their exact needs—whether it’s decoding CVC words, mastering a sound, or adding expression to their reading. Students only do one activity a day, rotating through five activities throughout the week. This allows me to have a solid 15-20 minutes with each group.
2. Independent Activities
While I’m working with a group, my full focus is on them. I provide independent activities with high accountability to keep the rest of the class engaged and productive. These tasks are designed to be completed silently, ensuring the time is used effectively and without disruptions.
3. Consistent Structure
I select activities that students complete consistently, often sticking with the same ones throughout the term (or even the year). This builds independence, reduces the need for repeated instructions, and allows students to focus on skill development.
Let me know if you have further questions on literacy rotations.