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The Problem with Reading Centers and How to Fix It

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When I think about reading centers, I remember how difficult they were for me during my first few years of teaching. It was hard to find the time to fit them in and I spent so much time prepping and searching for ways to keep them engaging for my students. Since then, I’ve learned a lot and want to share all of my suggestions with you!

If you want to use reading centers, there is a way to use them with the workshop model. Better yet, I have simple solutions for you so that you create a reading block that truly works for you and your class. While I still believe that independent reading should take up a big chunk of your reading block, there IS a place for centers in upper elementary classrooms!

In this episode I share:

  • 3 main challenges that exist with the traditional reading center model 

  • An easy way to make reading centers work for you and your students

  • A reminder that there is no ONE way to teach reading

  • How to give students choice in their centers

Resources From This Episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Series:

I am SO excited to give you a bit of extra support with the Stellar Teacher Summer Series. Don’t forget to join our new and FREE Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers to enjoy all the new content! Here is what you can look forward to each week:

  • Monday: Tune into a new Stellar Teacher Podcast episode

  • Workshop Wednesday: FREE training inside my Facebook group that will teach you about each part of the Reading Workshop Model

  • Quick Tip Thursday: BONUS podcast episodes

  • First Look Fridays: Previews of new reading product line

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More About Stellar Teacher Podcast:

Welcome to the Stellar Teacher Podcast! We believe teaching literacy is a skill. It takes a lot of time, practice, and effort to be good at it. This podcast will show you how to level up your literacy instruction and make a massive impact with your students, all while having a little fun!

Your host, Sara Marye, is a literacy specialist passionate about helping elementary teachers around the world pass on their love of reading to their students. She has over a decade of experience working as a classroom teacher and school administrator. Sara has made it her mission to create high quality no-fluff resources and lesson ideas that are both meaningful and engaging for young readers.

Each week, Sara and her guests will share their knowledge, tips, and tricks so that you can feel confident in your ability to transform your students into life-long readers.

Tune in on your favorite podcast platform: Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review, and follow!

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Hey There!

I’m Sara, your literacy lovin’ mentor and cheerleader.

With over a decade of experience working as a classroom teacher and school administrator, I understand the joys and challenges of teaching. That’s why I’m on a mission to make an impact by serving stellar upper elementary teachers just like you. Get ready, because I’m pulling out all the stops to ensure that you have the tools and confidence you need to build a literacy block that you’re proud of. One that excites you and your students while also meeting the standards. Oh yes, it’s totally possible to have both!

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