Center Logistics Overview: What are Centers?

…And more importantly, how do I get this magic in my classroom?

Overview

Purpose of centersRotation methodsGrouping strategiesPhysical layout of centersAccountability and rulesUpdating and changing centersSummary and Q&A

Background Knowledge

What have you learned already?

Differentiated instruction

Different skills at centers

Scaffolded introduction

Run themselves!Teacher station!!!

What do you want to know?

Purpose of Centers

Allows teachersto conduct guided reading

Gives students more time for independent practice

Shakes things up a little bit!

Timing of Centers

Built into most scripted reading programs

Generally 45-90 minMorning and afternoon

centers for flexible schedules

Getting Kiddos to Move

Free Choice Centers Most common for ECE Students choose which center

to go to and stay as long as they want

Students can rotate freely Structured Centers

Most common form of centers Teacher defines when

students rotate, where they go, and who they will work with

Modified Free Choice Teacher adds some definition

to free choice Example: students pick where

they start for the day and then rotate

Getting Your Kiddos to Move

Free ChoiceLimitations

Students could hog a center*

Some kiddos do not work well together

StrengthsKids are where they

want to be!Generally not updated

as often*But you can avoid this!

StructuredLimitations

If a kid doesn’t like a center, they’ll act up

Need strong group dynamics

StrengthsNo fighting over who

gets whatYou get to group kids

strategically

Grouping Your Munchkins

Guided reading groups are ALWAYS by ability!*Outer groups can be homogenous or mixed

ability (low/middle, middle/high)

*but some kiddos might be in more than one group!

Grouping Your Munchkins

Homogenous Limitations

Some kiddos do not work well together

Struggling students misbehave when they don’t understand

Need to have extension activities for advanced students

Strengths Less confusing! Kids stay with

the same groups Don’t need as many centers

since one group is always with you

Mixed Ability Limitations

Need more space in your room

Kids will miss one of their centers…which may lead to some sad faces

Strengths Keep your guided reading

groups as long as you want! Advanced students can serve

as group leaders**or your sassy kiddos who take care of business

Suggested Starting Point

Structured CentersYou set the rules for when and where your kids go

Homogenous GroupingLess hassle on the front end and more consistent

ExceptionsFree choice for ECEMixed ability grouping if you have an aide in your class

Physical Layout

Teaching Table Horseshoe table/group of

desks Near all of the materials and

books you’ll need Stations

Spread around room (stationary) or brought to desks in crates

Need to have materials at all centers OR have kids bring materials

Time Out! Special area or back to desks Something to do!

There is no perfect classroom for centers! ALL classrooms can

accommodate centers!

Get it going!

Teach EVERYTHING with a mini-lesson Rotating Cleaning Up Rules Activities Asking Questions Turning in Work

Gradual Release of Surveillance Week One: Roam and Monitor LIKE A HAWK Week Two: Roam and Monitor, Occasionally sit at teaching stations Week Three: Sit and Watch

Rotating

SignalAuditory Cue

Music, bell, verbalSystem

Clean Up, (Line Up), Move

TimingUsually every 15

minutes

Accountability

Passports for free choice List of centers students need

to go to during the week Students have a sheet they

turn in from each center or have someone sign off

Centers folder for structured centers Look over for participation Awards for strong

group/individual work NO CENTERS for students

who don’t do their work! Noise monitor

Auditory teacher signal Student monitor in groups

Centers Rules

Need explicit rules for centersLeave your teacher

aloneGet your work doneDo it quietly

Alternative for studentsPunish workSeparate Center

So…what goes in the centers?

GamesBooksWritingRulesExtension and

Alternatives

And how often do I update them?

Generally every two weeks

Take games from warm ups

Switch with teachers in your school

Alter the format, but keep the games

(lots of) Things to Consider

Will you do free choice or structured centers? How big is your classroom? How mature are your kids? How comfortable are you with a little

chaos? If you structure your groups, will they be homogenous or mixed?

How well do kids at the same level get along? Will your kids flip out if they miss the computer center to work with you? Do you want flexibility in how long and often you work with your groups?

How big will your groups be? How much space do you have in your room? How many activities do you want to manage?

How well do your kids works in large groups? How much space do you have for the truly awesome centers?

Where are you going to put your groups? Can you see everyone from where you’ll teach? Is your teaching station close to your

materials? Do you trust your kids to sit in someone else’s desk? What’s the noise level of your centers?

How are you going to hold students accountable for their work? Are you going to grade all of their work? How much of this responsibility can you give to

students? Will you be able to devote all of your time to your guided reading group? How on earth are you going to group your kids if you haven’t given a diagnostic?

Seriously. Do a stinking diagnostic. Even if it means visiting every student at home. Get it done. And do DRA. It’s totally worth it.

Sites for Centers

websites for kids:www.starfall.com www.literacycenter.net

websites for teachers:www.readinga-z.com http://www.preschoolexpress.com/alphabet_stati

on.shtml