Learning Centres P/J Methods EDUC 4454. Learning Centres.
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Transcript of Learning Centres P/J Methods EDUC 4454. Learning Centres.
Purpose
Mainly to allow children to explore & use materials; expand interests & abilities
Also allows students to practice & apply skills taught directly by teacher
And provides opportunities fro taechers to work 1:1 or with small groups
Learning Centres
Centres can be very simple in focus
Centres can be permanent temporary, used for
a specific purpose for a short period of time
portable
Learning Centres
A learning centre is as varied as your imagination & is dependent on the physical space & needs of the program
Decide on permanent learning centres Listening centre Reading corner Art centre Writing Centre Science Centre
Learning Centres
Any area of the classroom may be adapted to suit the needs of the learners.
Ensure that a centre has signs, labels, clear instructions.
Learning Centres
A centre such as the Technology & Design Centre can provide a range of activities to accommodate learners’ needs.
Learning Centres
You need to supply resources so students can plan.
Students need opportunities to test their ideas.
They need space and materials for recording results.
Learning Centres
All centres should allow for manipualtion of materials Materials must be clearly labelled/well-organized Each container should have pictorial as well as written
label to encourage reading Some centres are self-directing; others will require
teacher input Materials should change throughout the year to
maintain interest; allow children to suggest additions Place centres to allow for good traffic flow
Learning Centres
Provide challenges that intrigue students like re-creating London Bridge.
Notice the tracking sheet in the background.
Learning Centres
Consider what you will observe/what you will record to track each student’s learning.
Learning Centres
Students participate in tasks that will help them internalize and consolidate what they learn often with minimal teacher intervention
Students learn to take responsibility for their own learning become better decision makers and problem
solvers gain confidence and become self motivated as they
develop independence.
Learning Centres
Integration can occur naturally through learning centres.
As the teacher circulates, observations and anecdotal notes are made.
As students share their work, there is an opportunity for peer and self assessment.
Keeping Track of Activities at Centres
It is critical to keep track at all times of activities taking place at each centre
- observe student activity; monitor how students interact in the group or in pairs
- interact with students when needed -provide system for collecting work produced at centre
– e.g. folder for each student, bin for finished/unfinished work
-have a system for recording which student has visited which centre- e.g. each student has individual sheet & puts x beside icon of centre visited; each centre has a class list and student puts x beside centre when there
Making Centres Work
Introduce centres gradually at beginning of year
Demonstrate proper use of materials as well as different ways of using
Establish and review the rules & routines for the centres
Discuss effective strategies for independent/group work
Show how to move from one centre to another
Making Centres Work
Teach the tracking and rotation system Model & discuss new materials & activities
daily Model & practice problem-solving strategies Discuss & role-play appropriate centre
behaviour; have clear expectations Allow students to share, display & save
products(Adapted from M. Trehearne, Kindergarten Teacher’s Resource Book.
Nelson Language Arts, 2000.)
1. There are many templates to help you plan and manage learning centres. Refer to
Creating the Dynamic Classroom p.70-92.
Blackline masters:
In the back of your text, find the CD which contains the blackline masters.