READING CENTER ROTATIONS - LIFE SAVING DISCOVERY

Okay, so maybe I am just arriving into "savvy teacher town," but I just had to share this gem of a discovery . . . there could be a few of you left out there who are experiencin' the back to school reading rotation pains too and didn't think of this trick.   

Every year I feel the pressure to jump into groups stat.  I want to coach them through the writing I expect to see this year, walk them through a few more intensive B2S activities, and begin the lengthy assessment process.  All of this just lends itself to launching center rotations day one (well . . . at least it had in the past).  After two days of attempting rotations this year, I went home exhausted, frustrated, and feeling rather defeated.  I believe I was curled up in the fetal position on the couch when I realized . . . THERE IS AN EASIER WAY.  

For the first time ever, I slowed the pace and stepped back from the familiar routine . . . the routine that is the norm at our school and I ran groups for the past four days without taking a crew to my table.  Instead, I was out in the action . . . poppin' between groups, reinforcing high-level small group behavior, applauding quality work, and teachin' my specific routines.  It was absolutely glorious I tell ya.  NO longer was I hollerin' out re-directs from my kidney table.  NO longer was I having to leave a group to fix another.  NO longer was I being interrupted 5 billion times about what to do next.  BOOM . . . who knew such a little thing could turn my teacher frown upside down??

With all this said, I took the leap back today.  After four days of coaching rotations, I decided to see if my idea actually paid off - yup, I took on a guided reading crew today.  Wait for it . . . wait foooooor it . . . well, my redirects were kept in total check and the majority of the kiddos knew exactly what to do during and after each station.  For the most part, we were chuggin' along like a well-oiled machine today.  I was pleased as punch! 

This station would have been a nightmare during week two of school.
However, I was right there to reinforce expectations and it turned out to be a great rotation.

As my mother always says, "Pay me now or play me later."  UH . . . I'll pay right now thank you very much!  I know it seems slow as molasses (my angst was through the roof when I decided to not be an active part of the rotations last week).  However, it was the best decision I have made in years.  I told a few co-workers about my idea (they were also having similar troubles).  Both tried NOT taking a group the other day and both are stickin' to it for the rest of the week.  They said it made a wonderful difference in the way they were able to reinforce high-level behaviors and promote their overall expectations during group time.  

As kids finished this little sort,
I was available to remind them as to where their paper ALWAYS goes and what to do next!
Now they KNOW (well, most of the time . . . snicker . . . snicker)!!!!

My babes during the independent folder work station - great papers Katie King (Busy Teacher)
By cruising, I could answer questions and help them remember to always read the directions first!!

Alright, that's my dissertation on the great reading center discovery.  If you are finding yourself frustrated, stretched too thin, and redirecting constantly during rotations, I suggest you give this one a try.  You may find that it's the answer you have been looking for . . . I know it was mine.  Sure, we would have eventually gotten there the old way (with a lot of new crows feet and deeper forehead wrinkles).  However, this new way reminds me of the motto . . . go slower to go faster.  

**DISCLAIMER: if you decide to try this idea, I suggest that you wear a cozy outfit and leave the heels at home.  My feet were killing me by rotation three and I walked around barefoot in my room for the rest of the day.  My feet were black by the time I  got home . . . GROSS!!!**

Hugs y'all.  I am OUT.  Gotta finish correcting folder work and then get my sick bum to bed.  Yes, you heard right.  I am already a snotty mess and it's only week 3.  I hope things are going well in your neck of the woods.  I'll see you this weekend with something G - DOUBLE O - D.