Dana, As a kindergarten teacher for 8 years, I fully understand the need to have the students become familiar with centers. If you do not spend time up front teaching expectations and procedures, centers will not be as effective. We usually start school in the middle of August and by the 3rd week I like to try and have my guided reading groups up and running. As I am introducing the centers, I will have students go ahead and meet in a group so they get used to the groups and don't feel like they "miss out" on a center. I usually do this for 1-2 weeks. Then, when the kids are ready (about 3 weeks into the year), the transition is not a big one because they have been doing the centers and meeting in reading groups a few times. I believe that the sooner we can start working with the kids, the sooner we can identify their particular skill sets and work with them on those skills.
I hope this helps. Matt Matt Wachel Principal Southern Boone Primary School 573 657-2148 >>> Dana Conti <[email protected]> 7/22/2009 2:25 PM >>> Hello! A curious question - when do you start guided reading for your kindergarten students? I teach in Florida - title 1 school - many children of speakers of other languages - usually about half a class that has never been to a Pre-K program or any type of school environment - I find my students need quite some time being trained on how to use centers properly - I want to get started as soon as possible but didn't know if there was a "better" time of year - opinions? Thanks! -- Don't Doubt the Dream! Dana _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
