At this literacy station, Nick Mixon and Mairead Pfaff revisited literature and drew their favorite illustrations in Mrs. Reilly’s class. As part of the Garden City School District’s initiative to institute a balanced literacy program in the kindergarten classroom, guided reading and literacy centers are part of the daily routine. As the classroom teacher meets with a small group of students to make meaning from print, the remaining children rotate to various learning challenges set up throughout the classroom. These reading centers may change weekly. They enable the children to apply reading strategies, develop word recognition, and strengthen vocabulary and oral language. Critical thinking skills and teamwork are enhanced. These are just a few of the benefits of literacy centers in the kindergarten classroom!

Happy birthday to author Stan Berenstain! Mrs. Reilly’s kindergarten class celebrated literacy with cupcakes provided by Jake’s mom, Mrs. Gevova.