• Literacy centers are independent learning stations.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
  
  Literacy centers offer a hands-on learning experience for school children. At these centers, children work through interactive games or puzzles until reaching the correct answers. Staying organized is key to running these centers smoothly. Independent learning literacy centers make students more responsible because they must complete the tasks without strict guidance. Setting up centers and assigning students to the centers gives the teacher some time to grade papers or plan. This is also a good time to pull students into small groups, particularly students that struggle and need extra instruction.
  
  

Keeping Track

• Even though students work through problems, puzzles and lessons alone in literacy centers, keeping track of the work done helps a teacher spot areas in which the students need help. Keep a set of file folders for each student in the classroom and place in an easily accessible drawer. The students can pull out the folders before working on the center and fill out information about work for that day. After a student is finished with the center, he can simply place the folder back into the filing system. Once a week or every few weeks, look at all the folders and make adjustments with individual students as needed.
  
  

Set-Up

• Some teachers keep centers up as a permanent part of the classroom so that students finished with other assignments can work at a center. Other students sit in the centers on an as-needed basis. Make sure in advance that all pieces are together for the games and activities and are working. For example, if one station involves writing words on a dry-erase board, test the markers to make sure they are not dried out.
  
  

Activity

• Create a writing center for students to write letters and cards to friends and family. Offer some writing prompts including a list of topics. Encourage students to go through the writing process at this station including pre-writing, drafting, editing and sharing. Create an alphabet center for students to work on the letters of the alphabet. Include flashcards with the letters and a pictures of items that starts with the letters. A reading center can be filled with books that students can read at the center. Include a worksheet for each book that tests the child's comprehension.