Practice with Purpose: Literacy Work Stations for Grades 3-6

In her 30 years as an educator, Debbie Diller has closely examined classroom practice, asking "Why? What's the purpose?" Watching primary students work successfully at literacy work stations, she wondered with teachers, "Why don't we have upper-grade students doing this? Could we kick it up a notch?" In her new book, Debbie shows teachers of grades three-to-six how to structure their classrooms so that all students can be successful doing meaningful independent work using literacy work stations. Practice with Purpose offers guidance on establishing routines for independent reading and response writing, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to set up and manage a variety of hands-on literacy work stations appropriate for intermediate students. Each chapter includes: how to introduce the station; innovative ways to use materials; what to model to guarantee independence; how to troubleshoot; assessment and accountability ideas; how the station supports student achievement on state tests; reflection questions for professional development. The extensive appendix includes time-saving tools such as management board icons, graphic organizers, task cards, and recommended websites and children's literature. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Author Bio Debbie Diller has been an educator since 1976. Her experience ranges from being a classroom teacher to a Title I reading specialist to a migrant education teacher to a literacy coach, as well as a national consultant and author. Debbie builds upon current research and theory to provide practical, realistic applications in today’s classrooms. Much has changed since Debbie began teaching in 1976, and she strives to be a 21st century teacher!