Centers - What to Consider

This is Part 3 of my string of Centers posts.  I am thinking it should have been #1, but that is the great thing about blogging, order doesn't matter if you tag well...  Again, it is all a part of my plans to Flip my Classroom this school year.  I just received the Flip Your Classroom book in the mail.  I can't wait to read it.


This great information is from Nooks, Crannies and Corners.  A book that I just read.

When considering and creating centers, think about these items:

1. What do I want the student to be able to do in order to show that he understands the idea or concept taught?

2. What tools and materials will I need to provide in order for him to do this?

3. What directions, guidelines and explanations are necessary for him to be able to accomplish this task.  How can I simply and efficiently help him go about it.

4. How will I know if and how well he has accomplished the task?  How will he know when he has been successful?

Remember, in centers, the student should be able to complete the task with little assistance from the teacher.  The teacher will be busy catching up with students who are struggling or have been absent.

Two types of Centers:

Uni-disciplinary center: Teaches one or more specific concepts related to one content area.  Examples: Word Box - write one descriptive word for each object in the box.  Substitution - For each sentence below with the word "Say",  substitute say with another word that means the same thing.

Multi-disciplinary center:  Activity is related to one topic but provides for integration of several content areas.  Examples: letter writing, estimating, comparing, art projects.

Great Stuff!  Still to come: Students developing activities; determining the needs of each learner;  shifting responsibility to the learner; how to keep track of who is where when; evaluating and grading; cheating (copying, etc); and discipline.  Stay tuned!

Please let me now your thoughts and ideas!

Gracias, Penny