How to Organize Learning Centers
Children naturally learn better through the use of manipulatives and a hands-on approach. Due to a lack of supplies, though, it's not always possible to do hands-on activities in a large group setting. Organizing learning centers in your classroom allows small groups of children to work at various stations at the same time. Each center has an independent learning activity which can be anything from a coloring page to a science experiment. After the allotted time is up, they move on to the next center.
Instructions
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Figure out an ideal time for learning centers. Some teachers have centers during reading time, as it keeps the other students busy while you're working with one reading group. However, since you can't be at the stations to help, the instructions will need to be easy for them to understand.
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Determine how many learning centers you want, and their content. If you are doing centers during reading time, the number of centers would be the number of reading groups you have. Focus the activities on areas the students are currently working on in their units. This will give them practice outside of your teaching. Also, to occupy faster students, keep a few coloring pages at each station or "bonus questions" so they don't disrupt the rest of the group.
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Find locations for your learning centers. A reading or listening station should be located in a private part of the classroom such as a corner to avoid distractions. You can use pillows or mats on the floor for seating. A computer station should be set up away from windows to diminish glare. If this is unavoidable, you can close the blinds. Any centers which involve writing need to be at tables.
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4
Mark the learning centers clearly so students will know where to go next. Write numbers in black marker on fluorescent-colored poster board. After a few days, the students will get used to rotating between the stations.
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Determine how long you want the students to spend at each learning center. Set an egg timer at the start of each rotation so you don't have to constantly watch the clock.
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Tips & Warnings
When planning the learning center activities, keep the allotted time in mind so students don't have too much or too little to do.
