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Developing Blocked Centers Time in a K-2 ClassroomWendy MerrittKindergarten Teacher, Reading SpecialistSt. Patrick, Fayetteville
Classroom Learning Centers:A Nontraditional Approach Veers from the traditional “teach and
listen” approach into a more hands-on learning style
Actively engages learners Allows teachers the ability to work with
students one-on-one or in small groups to target specific skills
Promotes independence, responsibility, and allows opportunity for self-discovery
Classroom Learning Centers: What to Focus On Activities that allow students to figure things
out through hands-on activities with flexible outcomes
Set up the system so that it includes “must do” and “can do” eliminating the “I’m done, now what?” option for keeping the children busy
Activities that incorporate cognitive skills training (Thinking processes are tended to - not just subject material learning activities)
What Subject Matter Can Be Covered in a Center Reading Second Language Skills Mathematics Science Social Studies Religion Writing Handwriting/Motor
Development Technology (iPads,
laptops, desktops)
Types of Activities to Consider Flip books File folder games Work mats Math manipulative
sets Craft-type
creations Technology
Writing activities Dry erase boards Cut/paste sheets Student created
books Experiments Educational
toys/puzzles
Flip Books
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• Organization of data• “Fold-ables”
File Folder Games
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• Books that sell premade templates
• Maybe have more than one activity on topic/theme and children can pick their preferred
Math Manipulative Work
• Patterning• Calculations• Geometry: tangrams, 3D
objects• Place value work
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Manipulative Options
“Workjobs” Boxes
Craft-type Creations
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• Kinesthetic learners• Themed/holiday related• Following written directions
exercises
Example Crafts – directly related to subject matter
Writing Activities
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• Daily sentence writing• Labeling Book• Handwriting practice
Weekly Themed Sentences
Dry (or wet) Erase boards and mats
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• Dry erase boards (making lists, etc.)
• Make any worksheet at reusable mat by laminating
Cut/Paste Activities and Other Worksheets
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• Math fact sheets (with manipulative sets to assist – Remember the “workjob” boxes?)
Student Created Books
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• Considered breaking down the work of a book over the course of several days
Science Experiments
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• Magnets• Floating/sinking• On-going data recording
opportunities
Accountability
Self-Check/Assess
Students determine accuracy through some set standard about the completion of their task(s)
Teacher Assessed
Teacher is able to see results and give instant feedback on accuracy, effort, and creativity of the work
Self-Check/Assess Options Allow students to have access to
“answer key” Post rubric/checklist for students to
confirm completion, if there are no “exact” answers
Students need to some how show their own record of completion (Holds them accountable and confirms for them and you that the center is complete)
Self-Check/Assess
Advantages No need for teacher
to “sign-off” Students can move
through tasks without waiting for approval to go from task to task
Disadvantages Design of rubrics or
answer keys can be difficult
Students may not properly complete tasks
Students may misuse answer keys
Teacher/Adult Assessed Teachers ensures accurate use of skills Correcting and re-teaching is done
immediately, as needed Proof of completion is done by the
teacher
Consider parents or older grade student volunteers to support your assessing
Teacher/Adult Assessed
Advantages Individualized
attention and conversation makes for more meaningful experience
Immediate feedback Ensures accurate
skill usage
Disadvantages Students must wait
for teacher/others to “check” their work
Visual Accountability
Student can see their progress/status and note completions
Communication to Parent from teacher
Parent can engage child “What did you do today?”
Annotation Options
Annotation Options
Setting Up Your Classroom Environment Know your availabilities and limitations
Space, furniture, available personnel Schedules, curriculum, available materials Management plans for students
They will finish their tasks at different times
Make it something that works for you! The likelihood of you doing this depends
on how “on-board” you are
How to Organize
Pods, Tables, Rows
Children know what they are doing based on placement of activities
Trays or Baskets Children stay at
own seat and move to retrieve materials from organized location
Pods, Tables, Rows Materials are available at the
designated area Activities planned for each designated
area Consider setting up a longer activity
among two tables Movement transitions can benefit some
learning styles but be difficult for others – watch for this!
Pods, Tables, Rows
Advantages Area designated for
specific type of work Student movement
allows for good transitions
Students sitting next to different students at each activity
Disadvantages If using desks set in
pods or rows: Supply management Ensure personal spaces
are respected Enough seating for
students coming to designated area (consider “over-flow” area)
Trays and Baskets Materials are kept on trays or in baskets
Determine whether students will take whole tray/basket to their seats or they must remove only the necessary materials to take with them to their seat
Trays/baskets must be kept in a “staging” area and be easily accessed by multiple students at one time Consider your traffic flow
Trays and Baskets
Advantages Students have to
return to their seat Good for rooms
without tables/pod seating
All materials are prepared kept in one place
Disadvantages Students have to
return to their seat Staging area must
be large enough to contain items and allow for continuous movement in/out of the area
Sample Classroom Layout