during
whole
class
and
small
group
instruction.
For
example,
if
a
teacher
introduces
the
class
to
a
comprehension
strategy,
such
as
making
connections
with
characters,
students
may
practice
this
strategy
by
reading
a
self-‐selected
text
and
writing
about
a
connection
they
share
with
the
main
character
in
the
story.
The
Value
of
Literacy
Centers
Literacy
centers
are
not
the
only
way
to
manage
the
children
who
are
not
meeting
with
the
teacher.
Teachers
sometimes
assign
independent
seat
work
(e.g.,
worksheets)
for
students
to
complete.
This
too
can
provide
individuals
with
opportunities
to
practice
skills
and
strategies
taught
in
class
during
previous
lessons.
Other
teachers
assign
students
to
read
independently
while
the
teacher
meets
with
a
small
group.
Independent
reading
is
one
way
for
students
to
actually
apply
reading
skills
and
strategies
to
authentic
texts.
While
these
management
ideas
may
prove
effective
for
some,
seat
work
and
independent
reading
often
do
not
keep
students
actively
engaged
in
literacy
tasks
long
enough
for
extended
learning,
or
for
the
teacher
to
provide
effective
small
group
instruction.
According
to
Taylor,
Pearson,
Clark,
and
Walpole
(2000)
the
most
accomplished
teachers
of
literacy
have
over
95%
of
the
class
actively
engaged
in
literacy
instruction.
Literacy
centers
are
designed
to
maintain
student
engagement
through
interesting
and
motivating
activities.
Literacy
centers,
if
well
planned,
provide
varied
opportunities
for
students
to
practice
authentic
reading
and
writing.
Because
center
tasks
are
often
assigned
to
small
groups,
they
are
collaborative
in
nature.
Collaboration
allows
students
to
learn
from
one
another;
more
knowledgeable
students
can
help
the
struggling
learners
extend
their
zone
of
proximal
development
(Vygotsky,
1978)
while
deepening
their
own
understanding
of
skills
and
strategies.
While
literacy
center
activities
are
often
collaborative,
they
also
require
independent
application
of
strategies.
Students
may
be
required
to
read
a
text
independently
and
respond
to
the
text
at
one
center.
Students
are
encouraged
to
problem
solve
as
they
work,
rather
than
seeking
teacher
assistance.
If
a
child
does
find
difficulty
completing
a
task,
he
can
collaborate
with
a
peer.
Independent
practice
is
essential
to
all
learning, 4