Learning centers provide the opportunity for students to choose and participate in hands-on activities that relate to one or more areas of literacy development. To keep track of student activities and to insure that a variety of activities are completed, each student completes a weekly contract that they keep on a clipboard and take from center to center. On each contract, four activities are "star" activities and these must be completed during the week. The star activities vary from week to week. Students are required to complete at least two other activities of choice. Students are encouraged to complete as many activities as possible and can return to several previously completed activities (non consumable items) as soon as everything is checked off on their contracts. Completed contracts are kept in individual folders for each child to track progress and share with parents.
The centers are as follows:
Art center: Students will complete an art activity related to the big book or theme for the week. Art projects are relatively simple and can be completed independently by the students. Examples are sack puppets, paper plate art, collages, headbands and masks. Materials are stored in a tub and the tub is moved to the assigned work area when it is center time. This center is always a star center.
Magnet center: Students will use magnetic letters/words on the overhead cart to form words and sentences. Materials are kept in a tub and tub is moved to overhead cart for center time.
Do-A-Dot center: Students will use Do-A-Dot markers to form the letter of focus in our big book. Masters are provided.Materials are stored in a tub and the tub is moved to the assigned work area when it is center time.
Read the Room: Students use wooden pointers and read the word wall, poems or charts of their choice on display in the room.
ABC bottles: Students will explore, discuss and record the contents of ABC bottles. Materials are stored in a tub and the tub is moved to the assigned work area when it is center time.
ABC stamps: Students will use alphabet stamps to practice forming letters. Materials are stored in a tub and the tub is moved to the assigned work area when it is center time.
Games: Students will work with games and puzzles on concepts that will help with literacy development. Materials are stored in a tub and the tub is moved to the assigned work area when it is center time.
IBM computer: Students will use various educational software programs and the Internet to enhance literacy development.
Apple computer: Students will use various educational software programs and word processing programs to enhance literacy development.
Newspaper: Students will locate assigned letters(s) in newspaper text and highlight with a yellow crayon. Materials are stored in a tub and the tub is moved to the assigned work area when it is center time.
Writing center: A variety of activities are available to enhance the children writing ability.Materials are stored in a tub and the tub is moved to the assigned work area when it is center time.
Big books: Students will read the big books of choice individually, with a partner or in a small group. Students will use wooden pointers to track print.
Free reading: Students will select books, magazines or poems of their choice to read individually, with a partner or in a small group. This is always a star center.
Book/tape: Students will select book and tape of choice to listen to in the listening center. This is always a star center.
Pocket chart: Various activities are provided weekly to enhance literacy development.
Center time is in two parts, separated by recess. This allows some children to have a few extra minutes to complete an activity if needed or make up missed center activities due to absences. Also, it provides hands on activities to students who have to stay in at recess due to illness, as I maintain the stay-in room for all five kindergarten classes at recess time.
During center time, I will be working with individuals on their take home predictable books, doing guided writing or reading activities with flexible groups, and tutoring individuals who need extra practice with kindergarten skills or who are advanced and need support to continue growing at their own pace. I hope to encourage parent volunteers at this time to help facillitate centers at least part of the time.
See printable planning web for learning centers.
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