Understand different learning styles in the primary grades. Students in kindergarten through 5th grade are learning not only basic academic skills, they are also learning how to learn. Some students are visual learners, some learn best in groups and some learn best when they are by themselves without distractions. Be sensitive to these styles and choose literacy activities that help each individual child succeed. There are a large variety of literacy games, group activities, puzzles, online exercises and quiet reading tasks suitable for every child.
Find literacy games suitable for the entire group. In group literacy activities, children can reinforce each other's learning, while having fun at the same time. Some examples of group activities include a book scavenger hunt. Divide the class into teams and give them all copies of the same book. Ask them to look up particular people, words or pictures in the book. See resources for more group activity ideas.
Use online resources. Solitary learners might do better working by themselves online. There are a wide variety of online activities available and every grade level. Students can practice word recognition, print alphabet charts and even complete stories online.
Use activities where students create while they learn. "Make a book" projects incorporate reading, writing, concept and thought organization, and creative expression all in one activity. Students are often more engaged and enthusiastic about reading and writing when their creativity is stimulated. Creating a book from scratch can also give a young student the sense of accomplishment and self-confidence necessary to persevere through the more difficult parts of the literacy curriculum. See resources for "Build a Book" lesson plans and kits.