Beginning sounds, rhyming and CVC segmenting and blending are key skills when learning how to read and write. But where do we grow from there? How can we keep a literacy center the same and yet build on those skills already mastered?
How can we keep a literacy center the same and yet build on those skills already mastered?
This was something I faced for the first time this year with making adjustments to the new Common Core Standards since creating my centers. Previously my word work literacy center was meeting my students' needs. But we really condensed the amount of time we taught all of our reading skills into three quarters, and now I had an entire quarter left of school and a new set of standards that needed practice.
What to do?
My word work center is nicknamed the playdough center by the students. They L-O-V-E it! We use it to grow from forming letters, identifying them, and basic skills to... I had to come up with something!
So, ta-daah! I created an extension set of activities that I tried out on my kinders this spring and summer.
The new activities and sight words helped allow those ready for a challenge to get it, and those on target to make their skills super smooth!
We can now use what we know about sounds to change them, add them and create our own words by manipulating ending and medial sounds! I am happy that these include both real and nonsense words since we do utilize Dibels.
They work with manipulatives like magnetic letters and dry erase markers too.
And I've added 88 sight words to the mix! This covers all of the Pre-Primer Dolch words list and the first 100 Fry high frequency words when combined with the original Playdough Word Work Pack. I've also included number words 1-10.
Of course we've got to keep it all organized so it lives in the same location just with the new materials all set to go!
New Playdough Word Work Extension Pack
Is this something your class could use too? It’s designed to build on the original pack - so be sure to grab that first!
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More on Playdough
More on Word Work
Rene Bryant says
This is great! I haven't been able to use play dough because of my students allergies. The district purchased a set of gluten, wheat, egg free play dough and the letter and number dough stampers. What I don't have is the cool holder you have for the stampers. Do you know where I can purchase one? So excited to have this word work station next year!!
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
That is very neat that you district purchased that for you! So great! I bought the holder originally from Lakeshore, but I'm not sure they carry it anymore. Someone else once told me they use a scissors holder or a cylinder-ice cube tray instead. Maybe that'd work!
Jana Burchett says
I just bought this pack and am SUPER EXCITED to implement into my word work station! Can't wait to see how excited my kiddos are too!
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Awesome Jana! Look forward to hearing how it goes for you!
- Leslie
Laura says
What font are you using for this blog? I love it! Would like to use in my classroom!
Laura
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Hi Laura,
It's called Josefin Sans. 🙂
Jgrant says
Where did you find the "holder" for the alphabet stampers? I have looked everywhere and cannot find one. I got the stampers at Lakeshore, but they say they do not have the holder. Thanks!
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Hi Jgrant,
I did get it from Lakeshore... I wonder if they discontinued it. Sorry to hear that! We love ours!
Meredith Labadie says
My kids call it the playdough center too-I don't think they realize how much learning they're getting out of their playdough time 🙂 ~Meredith
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
I love the pictures of your kinders working Meredith! Still some of my favorite!
Meredith Labadie says
My kids call it the playdough center too-I don't think they realize how much learning they're getting out of their playdough time 🙂
~Meredith
Crayons and Curls says
I love your original pack, so I know this pack is a must! 🙂
Super excited about it! 🙂
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Thanks Cheryl! I appreciate you sharing your excitement!