Center Logistics Overview: What are Centers? …And more importantly, how do I get this magic in my classroom?

Overview Purpose of centers Rotation methods Grouping strategies Physical layout of centers Accountability and rules Updating and changing centers Summary 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 teachers to 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 min Morning 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 Choice Limitations  Students could hog a center*  Some kiddos do not work well together Strengths  Kids are where they want to be!  Generally not updated as often *But you can avoid this! Structured Limitations  If a kid doesn’t like a center, they’ll act up  Need strong group dynamics Strengths  No fighting over who gets what  You 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 Centers  You set the rules for when and where your kids go Homogenous Grouping  Less hassle on the front end and more consistent Exceptions  Free choice for ECE  Mixed 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 Signal  Auditory Cue Music, bell, verbal  System Clean Up, (Line Up), Move Timing  Usually 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 centers  Leave your teacher alone  Get your work done  Do it quietly Alternative for students  Punish work  Separate Center

So…what goes in the centers? Games Books Writing Rules Extension 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: websites for teachers: on.shtml on.shtml