Customer Reviews

What Are the Other Kids Doing While You Teach Small Groups?: The Answer to Every Teacher's Question

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have used this book and the strategies and centers described within in my first grade classroom and find them tremendously beneficial. The children are able to actively take part in the decision making regarding their own learning, and they have a lot of fun. It also allows me to get individual testing and small group reinforcement of skills taught, as well as book club (reading groups!) I have even presented workshops for other educators using this book as a resource, and recommend it to all of the participants. The ideas, the blackline masters, even the sensible ways to keep track of work done (primarily logs and reading tickets that the children are responsible for!) are wonderful. A suggestion for anyone who purchases this book: give yourself some time to read through, digest, plan, and put together the ideas in this book before you try to implement them. I purchased it in October of 1999, but I didn't try to fully implement the program until December of 1999. It was worth it!

This book is an educators dream! It was such a great resource to me and my other collegues when we were establishing meaningful learning centers in our classrooms. The book contains ideas for grades 1-3. I highly recommend this book to every educator in the primary grades.

This book has useful and fun literacy centers. It comes with the reproducibles you need to make them, which is very helpful. It also has sheets for recording to help students be accountable for their center work. It's a good one, and my Mentor teacher agreed, and rushed to get her own after observing my reading group/center time!

I have bought many books recently on literacy centers and this book is by far the best! It gives you background information on the purpose of centers but really focuses on making it work for you. It gives tons of easy to put together center activities and reproducible sheets. By far the most teacher friendly book on centers I now own.

I'm glad I purchased this book during summer break. It gives advice on how to prepare 30 different centers along with amusing management tips. It is a lot to digest and prepare but its "ready to copy" log sheets for student accountability, and the materials lists for each center, makes set up a snap. The centers work on skills that I have taught and practiced at different times during the school year. Those skills can now be reiforced on a regular basis during our reading block. Even the choice of materials adds an element of fun. I can't wait to test out these center ideas on my third graders!

After 12 years teaching middle school, I am now teaching second grade. This book has become one of my most treasured resources. This clearly and concisely explained the purpose and practical upkeep of 30 learning centers. I have used many of the activities as a springboard for countless other center activities. Don't walk, RUN to get this book.

This book may work if you are a new teacher with no resources and no ideas. If you are a veteran teacher, don't bother. The book is full of worksheets that you could quickly create and are probably already doing in your classroom. Don't waste your money.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone teaching primary grades, and integrating literacy centers in the classroom. It is perfect for managing reading groups, as well as a great time-management tool. Full of reproducibles, and helpful tips, it's one of the best teacher resources available. :)

This book is filled with great ideas for implementing and starting centers. You don't have to be a beginning teacher to get great ideas from this book. I have been working for many, many years and was able to get new, fun ideas that I have never thought of before!
It does take some time to read through and start, but it is well worth the time and effort. I gave myself the beginning part of my summer to get this ready and was so glad I did! Donna Marriott also has a great book out on how to do Small Groups that is a great resource.
Love this book!!!

Great ideas for learning centers and there are fantastic explanations of each, with materials included! This was an excellent resource!