Rotation Stations

Rotation stations, station rotations, whichever way you think the syntax is correct, rotation stations are a great way to have the students doing a variety of activities in the classroom while getting them  moving in one period. Most teachers are completing 3 - 5 different activities per period, so rotating them around in stations should not be a big deal. I have used rotation stations successfully with all my Chinese language classes for years, but the system would work for any subject area.

Rotation station basics are that they are;

• different and differentiated activities or tasks each station
• timed station activities
• manageable activities
• classroom setup

What rotation stations promote are;

• blended learning activities
• collaborative learning
• group and individual work
• student centered learning
• more teacher assistance

What activities really work;

• inflipped learning (my blog post on flipping)
• blended learning
• any well-planned activity
• differentiated activities
• entry and exit tickets

What you will need to do;

• Like any lesson, plan your lesson around your aims and objectives. 
• Take into consideration the students in the class.
• Train the students to be quick at moving the tables and chairs about and then getting them back into place before the end of the lesson.
• Have some type of timing device, for example the white board screen with a count down clock.
• Decide how long each rotation will be.
• To manage what will be a hectic lesson, perhaps think about the traffic light system so you do not have students lining up to see you or have them waiting with their hands up for ages, because you will be busy.
• Make sure you have activities that students can do with little scaffolding, or can help each other with. Have extension work ready and differentiate each activity. This is probably one of the key components, so make sure you spend decent time preparing this one.
• Each time you have a rotation station lesson, trial different settings and groups, see what and who works the best in various combinations.
• Have each station clearly labelled or up listed on the board.

During the rotation station activity you will need to;

BEFORE

• Prepare the lesson activities
• Prepare the timer.

START 

• Explain the activities on each station and remind them of the traffic light system and rules of not moving around the class during activities. After a few times, you will not need to explain each activity unless it is new.
• Ask the students to move the tables and chairs into position.

DURING

• Give a one minute warning before the end of each rotation so they can wind up the activity. If the activity is not finished, this can be caught up with if you have a activity completion/teacher help station, next lesson or at home.
• Walk around the class attending to the traffic lights. Answer questions, clarify activities, manage the class.

Being a language teacher, I tried to prepare at least 4 activities. These covered the 4 language skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking, sometimes we had 5 activities as it depends where the students are up to in the course and level. 

For specific rotation station activities and references/resources, please check out the Google slide presentation.

Thanks! Be great to connect or discuss rotation stations with you!