How to Design Learning Centers

Learning centers offer supplemental practice in the classroom for any skill or theme from the curriculum. Learning centers allow the students to explore on their own for an interactive learning experience. They typically consist of hands-on activities that focus on one or two concepts. Examples of learning center activities include file folder games, puzzles, review games, art, building projects and dramatic play. The particular activities vary based on the age of the students and the resources available.

Things You'll Need

• Zip-top plastic bags
• Plastic totes

Instructions

1. Establish your general rules and guidelines for the use of learning centers in the classroom. Determine when they are used, how students are assigned to the centers and how long center time lasts each day.

2. Identify the concept or learning goal for each learning center. Decide on a specific goal rather than a general subject. For example, instead of identifying the concept as math, label it as a learning center about adding fractions. Being specific with the goal focuses the planning of the center.

3. Create a hands-on activity that reinforces the identified concept. Choose an activity that is appropriate for the age group. Try to use the activity to present a skill in a new way. For example, instead of the traditional method of adding fractions, the learning center might provide cardboard pies cut into pieces to illustrate the operation with fractions.

4. Gather the materials needed for the activity. Place all of the materials in a container that closes, such as a zip-top bag or a plastic tote box. Using plastic boxes of the same size allows you to stack the learning centers neatly in one location.

5. Create a clearly written instruction sheet for the activity. Place it with the materials so the students can refer to it later.

6. Identify a location within the room for the learning centers. Each learning center should have its own area with enough room to complete the activity. Place the container of materials in its respective location.

7. Present each learning center to the students, giving a brief description of it. Show the students all of the materials provided. Review the instructions for completing the learning center activity.

Tips & Warnings

• Change the learning centers frequently to hold the interest of the students.

• Limit the number of students allowed at each learning center to avoid congestion and distractions.

References

• Scholastic: The New Teacher's Guide to Setting Up Learning Centers