As a former teacher, I know the importance of looking for different center activities that keep students active and engaged. Here, at Oriental Trading Company, I often look at the products we have from a different viewpoint. In doing so, I like to be creative about how to motivate students and create fun ways of practicing language arts skills. Below is a list of five activities that might benefit you and your classroom when you need some fresh ideas.
Flying Disc Spelling Activity
Why not motivate students to practice spelling while using a flying disc? Separate students into small groups (or groups based on your word study program). Have students pass or toss the disc between partners as they spell a word. 
Sight Word Game Activity
In this center activity, I wanted students to play a game while practicing their sight words. Simply print the game pieces and use your favorite race-cars, construction trucks, eggs on wheels, or even our mountain car assortment. Students draw a card from the deck and "drive" their car to the matching parking spot, allowing them practice their sight words in an interactive way. 
Spelling Practice Center
In a small center, provide students with paper, stampers, alphabet stickers, and colored pens. Have students draw a line vertically down the center of their paper. On the left side, students write their spelling words with the colorful pens. On the right side, students have the choice of using the letters stampers or the stickers to "rewrite" the words. 
Realistic Sticker Writing Center
In this center, provide several sets of pencils, paper, and realistic stickers. Have students place 5 stickers at the top of one sheet of paper. The stickers are visual cues for young writers to help get their creative juices flowing. For struggling writers, it can even serve as an opportunity to have them write what they see using descriptive words. This can be a great self-confidence building tool for students.
(We have several sets of realistic stickers: dogs, sharks, pets, cats, zoo animals, bugs, wildlife animals, farm animals, and arctic animals. Or you can purchase an assortment of realistic stickers.)
Writer's Block Helpful Hints
"I don't know what to write!" How many times have you heard a student say that? I spent a lot of time as a teacher reading several books on writing workshops and trying to find ways to help students be successful writers. In doing so, one common suggestion was to help students create a space to write down lists, draw pictures, and share ideas that interest them. In one lesson, I explained to students how good writers had lists of ideas and thoughts. After this discussion, I provided students with small notepads and a pencil. Then, we went on a small adventure outside. Students were instructed to draw or write down anything they saw that was interesting. After our outing, I told students to put their notepads in their writer's workshop bin. Students would be able to reference these inspirational, idea-generating notepads when they experience trouble finding topics to write. I hope that this list of ideas generates fun new ways for you to practice language arts in your classroom.
