Creating Classroom Centers

Course details

Discover how easy and effective classroom centers can really be! In this course, you'll learn how to create and implement activities that boost independent learning in the classroom. You'll start out by learning what centers are (and aren't), what benefits they offer, and how to make the most of them. Next, you'll explore some very common mistakes teachers make with centers and gain tips for keeping your planning time to a minimum. You'll also get step-by-step instructions for creating a centers schedule all your students can use independently-even if they can't read. The insights you'll gain will show you how to adjust your centers routine for both your fastest learners and those who need more time. Short on classroom space? You'll get great ideas for storing your centers and explore some alternatives to having a permanent spot for every center. You'll master an easy, effective process for introducing centers and their materials to your students, and develop strategies for what to do when things don't go quite as planned. Increased small-group instruction time is one of the biggest benefits of centers, and you'll explore the kinds of instruction you can pursue during centers time. Think centers can only be used for reading and language arts? Think again! We'll explore ideas for using centers to support instruction in math, science, and social studies. You'll also see how you can use technology (such as virtual bulletin boards, apps, and interactive white boards) in your centers to help keep your students engaged. By the time you finish the course, you'll not only have the knowledge you need to get the most out of centers-you'll have a wealth of resources and center ideas you can take and try so you can get started right away! Updated on 15 March, 2018