November 28, 2008

Week one with using learning stations is over…and WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Although creating them took up pretty much my entire weekend – the difference they make in the ease of your week is immeasurable. Definitely a bit hectic at first and pretty much the whole week was devoted to explaining them to the class first and then trying to get the kids through the stations and testing everything out; but the kids loved it and I loved the fact that I got so much more one on one time with the kids. In a school like this, where the kids are at such drastically different levels, individual work is really important.

I implemented a behavior point system for the group work – apart from my regular class participation, performance and behavior system – and the kids seem to really like that. Positive reinforcement of the groups that are doing well really helps the others get back on track and stay focused. The difference from daily activities also helps keep their attention and they are big fans of the hands on work. There are definitely still some flaws to work out…but for the most part I can tell I am really going to like these centers and so will the kids.