I am not an expert at learning centers. However, I do use them in my classroom and on most days they work very nicely.
At least one of my centers usually involves a type of art project. The center focuses on skills such as cutting, tracing, or lacing. The other centers usually include a type of writing activity, math activity, and reading activity. On occasion, I have play center with a game or play dough. My centers usually revolve around independent work. However, I sometimes have students complete a team activity.
I divide my students into groups. I prefer no more than four students in my group. It also works best if I can have no more than four groups. This way, I can rotate centers Monday through Thursday. Friday can be used for extra review time, assessments, or for students to make up any missed assignments.
The key to completing learning centers with young children is clear, specific directions. Before center time each day, I give directions to the entire group for each center. For kindergarteners, I do this daily. The directions are repetitive but that is what the children need. I also model and discuss any problems that I foresee occurring.
It is also important to have center rules and guidelines. I always discuss how students should remain with their group and what a child should do if he or she finishes before the group. The students know where to put their completed work and how to clean up after they are finished.
Although the children are working independently, the teacher also plays an important role during centers. The teacher must visit each group and clarify any questions. The teacher should redirect students who are off task. Without the presence of the teacher, learning centers can be chaotic.
Center time can also be used for small group or individual time with the teacher. Every so often, I use center time to work with a specific group of children. Their center is time with me. By the end of the week, I have talked and worked with each child.
Having a plan and making sure that students know what to do under any circumstance provides for a very successful center time
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