HOW TO MANAGE LEARNING CENTERS

Since I’ve been at this rodeo for over 50 years I have seen many ways to manage centers. There is no “right” or “wrong” way, but you do have to adapt to your district’s requirements, the age of your students, and your standards. Take a look at the strategies below and see if you can find one that would work for your classroom.

Weekly Contract
Each week my students received a “contract” with ten centers they “got” to visit during the week. We did center rotation for 45 minutes at the end of the day when they were too exhausted to sit and listen. They got to choose where they went and how long they stayed in each center, but the goal was to do all ten activities by the end of the week. If they finished they got “Fabulous Friday”! What was Fabulous Friday?? They got to take their shoes off and do whatever they wanted. They LOVED it!!!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vZDUXcND9hjVewlJLkmdEg3E-25eS7tW/view (black & white)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15ToM6nqTjRomfwH-MuKC9OcskocyIWa5/view (color)

After visiting a center they colored it in and then raised their hand. My assistant walked around with a hole punch and would punch the activity after they explained what they did or learned. (During this time I could pull one or two students to give them extra help.)
Yes, I did limit the centers to 2 or 4 at a time. On Monday we’d go around the circle and they chose where they’d like to start. If a center already had four people they had to make another choice. When someone left a popular center then they could go there. This really worked itself out. If they wanted to stay in blocks all day Monday they could, but then they’d have to work a little faster the rest of the week to complete their center cards. It was amazing how they became self-directed learners by the end of the year!


Numbered Centers
I visited another kindergarten that had something similar. Children had index cards with numbers 1-10 on them. These were tied to a string that they wore around their necks. Scattered around the room were the numbers 1-10 with something to do at each station. As children completed the activity they raised their hand and the teacher punched their card.



Check List
Another idea might be to have a class list with the children’s names at each center. Write the focus goal at the top. As children complete assignments they make a smiley face or other comment next to their name.


Center Rotation
Center rotation is another option if you want all children to work in small groups and experience different centers and activities. Each day you will have the opportunity to work with a small group, and then they can rotate through 3 different centers.

How? Write the numbers “1, 2, 3, 4” on small pieces of paper and put them in a basket. You will need as many pieces of paper as there are children in your room. Children choose a number and that is where they will begin. After 15-20 minutes children clean up and rotate in a clockwise direction. For example, children in station one go to two, two go to three, three go to four, and four go to one. Within an hour children will have the opportunity to experience four activities, including working with the teacher.

1. Teacher Directed
Phonological Awareness
Reading Readiness

2. Social Play
Housekeeping
Blocks

3. Small Motor
Puzzles
Play dough
Erase boards
Blank Books

4. Independent
Listening Center
Library
Math
Technology


Tickets to Centers
Cut out pictures representative of the different centers in your classroom. Cut out the same number of pictures for each area as children who can play in that area. Glue the pictures to poster board cut in 4” squares. At center time, shuffle up the cards and allow each child to draw one. Children then go to the centers on their card.


Tips for Center Rotation

*You can either create four groups based on skills, or randomly assign children to different stations where they should start.

*Use a timer to make sure everyone gets the same amount of time in an area.

*Exercise or do a brain break between rotations.

*Adapt the length of time to the age and ability of your students.

*Have several choices in each station. After children complete the “main course” (assigned task) they can have “dessert” (choice).

WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKPACK?

PLAY GIVES CHILDREN A CHANCE 

TO PRACTICE WHAT THEY ARE LEARNING!

Fred Rogers

Fred Rogers is my hero! What a legacy of kindness, love, and gentleness he left us! It is so true that children learn through play, but many parents and administrators "don't get it." Here's a poem to send home or to share at your first parent meeting about how children learn through play.

WHAT’S IN YOUR BACKPACK?

What’s in your backpack?
It’s empty today.
Where’s your work?
Did you just play?

When I built with blocks
I learned about shapes.
I balanced and shared –
Our skyscraper was great.

I played in the windy house
And talked with my friends.
I rocked a baby
And played pretend

In science I observed,
Guessed, and experimented, too.
The same things grown up
Scientists do.

Art was messy.
I created and explored.
I solved my own problem
When I spilled glue on the floor.

My fingers got a work out
With puzzles and clay.
Those same muscles
Will help me write one day.

I counted and sorted and
And measured, too.
I used my brain
Like a math whiz would do!

Out on the playground
I ran like the wind.
I learned to take turns
And helped a hurt friend.

Story time is what
I always like best.
I can use my imagination
And give my body a rest.

I sang and danced,
Learned a finger play, too.
I answered questions
And said “please” and “thank you.”

There will be time
For worksheets and tests,
But talking and playing
Is how I learn best.

I love to go to school!
I’m glad I’m me.
An empty backpack
Means I’m learning, you see!


Backpack Book
Here's a little book you can make to send home the poem.

Punch holes in the top of a lunch bag (which is actually the bottom of the bag). You will need to do this for the children. Put a pipe cleaner through the holes and twist to make a handle.
Lift up the flap and tuck the bottom of the bag under it. Glue the poem to the inside of the book.




Check out Laura Pearson's excellent advice for parents:
Edutude.net = Where education has an attitude!
info@edutude.net

Fun Activities to Boost Your Child's Learning Outside the Classroom

As a parent, seeing your child struggling in their studies can be tough. The traditional classroom setting can be challenging, and children who struggle may feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However, as a parent, you can help them learn and grow outside the classroom. Here, we present some creative ways parents can help children learn outside the classroom when they're struggling at school.

Find Helpful Educational Apps and Websites

One of the easiest and most effective ways to help your child learn outside the classroom is to find educational apps or websites that can help them. There are apps that can be a great supplement to their studies. These apps offer interactive learning modules and provide quiz questions for the student to test their understanding of the subject matter.
Put Together a Study Plan

Another creative way to help your child learn outside the classroom is to create a study plan together. Together, you can identify what subjects they struggle in most, and make a plan to focus on improving that subject. Having a clear plan can help them feel more confident and motivated to tackle their studies.
Enroll Them in Online Lessons or Tutoring

Online courses and tutoring are great ways to support your child's learning. Online courses can give them access to resources, quizzes, and assessments specifically designed for their grade level.

Tutoring can offer a more personalized approach to learning, allowing them to work through their difficulties with an expert in the subject. Finding the right online course or tutor can be a great way to help your child stay ahead of their peers and catch up in subjects they may have fallen behind in.

Find Ways to Make Learning Enjoyable

While it may be tough for children to develop an interest in difficult subjects, finding ways to make learning fun is an effective way to engage them. This can involve incorporating fun games, quizzes, and learning exercises into their routine. For example, if your child is struggling with multiplication, try playing multiplication games with them to make the subject more engaging.
Ensure They Remain Positive

When a child is struggling in school, it can be easy for them to feel discouraged and lose motivation. As their parent, it is important to help them stay positive and focused on their goals. Be sure to remind them of their growth and accomplishments, and encourage them to keep working hard.
Making Time for Them a Priority

Children who feel isolated or unsupported often struggle to thrive academically. Emotional support from parents can prove to be a valuable tool in motivating children to reach their potential. Spending quality time with your child can be an effective means to provide this support and foster a love of learning, both in and out of the classroom.
Pursue Educational Materials to Aid in Learning

Enrolling in educational courses is a wise decision to support your child's learning. By enhancing your knowledge and skills, you can assist your child in overcoming their struggles and provide them with better guidance. It also helps you stay up-to-date with the latest learning methods and strategies.
Prioritize Your Children's Needs

Finally, it is important to prioritize time for your children to learn, grow, and develop outside the classroom. Encourage them to engage in hobbies, sports, or other activities that allow them to develop essential life skills like teamwork and problem-solving. The more support and care you provide to your child, the more equipped they will be to achieve success in their academic and personal life.

Children who are struggling in school need their parent's support outside the classroom as well. There are various creative ways parents can help their children learn and grow, such as creating a study plan together, signing them up for online courses or tutoring, spending quality time with them, and more. By providing the right support and encouragement, you can help your children achieve success both in and out of the classroom.

WHY USE LEARNING CENTERS?

Learning centers are the most natural way to organize a classroom and encourage children to become active learners. Centers encourage children to make choices, explore at their own level, engage in hands-on discovery, solve problems, work with friends, use language, and be creative. Centers are also an effective way to use classroom materials, time, and space. Above all, learning centers capitalize on PLAY, which is the most meaningful and FUN way for children to learn.

Why use learning centers?

*Hands-on activities in centers provide many pathways to the brain and are engaging for young learners.

*Children can work at their own pace and level.

*Executive function skills of task initiation and task completion are nurtured with centers.

*21st Century Skills are enhanced as children cooperate with others, communicate, problem-solve, and think critically.

*Centers give children the opportunity to develop organizational skills and responsibility.

*Centers can provide children with purposeful practice for automaticity.

*Children take it in and take it in and take it in…and then something comes out! With centers we are laying a foundation by giving children a variety of rich experiences.


IT LOOKS LIKE I’M PLAYING BUT….

Just because children are playing, doesn’t mean they are not learning!!! Here are some center signs for you to post in your classroom to help parents, administrators, and other visitors recognize all the skills that children are developing.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12i0cGopnEY28T3hxovLjiZeoOYYVEy0W/view

Dramatic Play – It looks like I’m playing, but I’m developing social skills, emotional skills, independence, oral language, my imagination, responsibility, and the executive function. I may use these skills as a mother, father, safety officer, or politician one day.

Blocks - It looks like I’m playing, but I’m developing motor skills, math concepts (number, size, shape, space), oral language, social skills. eye-hand coordination, self control, and my imagination. I may be a builder or architect when I’m grown.

Art – It looks like I’m playing, but I’m developing my creativity, small motor skills, problem solving, sharing, cooperation, independence and responsibility. I may use these skills as an artist, illustrator, or designer one day.

Math - It looks like I’m playing, but I’m developing oral language, social skills, small motor skills, concepts about quantity, shape, size, pattern, and an interest in math. I may use these tools as a computer programmer, accountant, or mathematician in the future.

Library - It looks like I’m playing, but I’m developing alphabet knowledge, oral language, print knowledge, listening skills, eye-hand coordination, concepts about the world, and the desire to read. Maybe I’ll be a publisher, author, or librarian when I grow up.

Science - It looks like I’m playing, but I’m developing a curiosity about the world, sensory skills, problem solving, language skills, and experience with the scientific process (observing, predicting, experimenting, recording, reporting). If I’m a doctor, lab technician, pharmacist, or landscaper I will utilize these skills.

Small Motor - It looks like I’m playing, but I’m developing small muscles, eye-hand coordination, attention span, social skills, and concepts about size, shape, color pattern. I might use these skills as a chef or dentist one day.

Language – It looks like I’m playing, but I’m developing oral language, alphabet knowledge, print connections, phonological awareness, visual skills, book knowledge, phonics, motivation to read. No matter what I become when I grow it, it will be important to know how to read.

Writing - It looks like I’m playing, but I’m developing eye-hand coordination, small motor skills, alphabet knowledge, self confidence, vocabulary, and an interest in print. I might use these skills one day as a journalist, administrative assistant, or poet.

Thanks to Carolyn Kisloski for these fantastic center signs.

CLASSROOM MAKEOVER

If you’re stressed about getting your room decorated for the first day of school, I've got a great idea for you!!!! Wrap yellow caution tape around your door and post a sign that says “Under Construction.” Explain to the parents that you are trying to develop a classroom community and you want your students to decorate their own learning environment. Invite parents to come back at the end of the week to see what their children have created!

Clare Ashford has a great idea to take “under construction” one step further.
“Before Meet the Teacher night (before school starts), I wrap all my bookcases, computers, etc. in butcher paper and then put an ‘under construction’ sign on them. It serves 2 purposes. 1- that way kids don't get into things while I'm busy talking to people! and 2- we ‘unwrap’ the items together as a class when we're ready to use whatever it is. It is very helpful and makes for an organized start to the year!”

Here are some crafts your students can make to decorate the classroom.

Welcome to the Neighborhood
Make a house from construction paper for each child. Fold the paper in half vertically. Open. Fold in the top corners to the middle. Fold up the bottom. Let children write their name on the front of the house. They can open the house and draw their family. You could also ask child to bring in a photograph of their family. Add some trees and a school and you have a great bulletin board.

Class Quilt
Use group art to create a visual representation of the “community” in your classroom. Give each child a 9” square and have them decorate it with pictures of themselves, drawings of their families or favorite things, collage materials, etc. Punch holes in the corner of each square and tie together with yarn to make a quilt to display in the classroom or hallway.




Friendship Chain
Give each child a strip of construction paper to decorate with their name, symbols of favorite things, or designs. Children sit in a circle and one at a time give the teacher their strip to staple and make a chain. Remind the children that your classroom is just like that chain. Everyone must work together to keep it connected and strong. Drape the chain over the doorway.

Banners, Pennants, and Name Plates
Use construction to let children create banners or pennants that reflect them. They might include hobbies, favorite foods, pets, family members, goals, etc.




Fit Like a Puzzle
Take a large sheet of poster board and cut it into puzzle shapes. (You will need one puzzle piece for each child in the room. Mark the back of the piece with an “X” so they will know which side to decorate.) After the children have decorated their piece, challenge them to put their pieces together to make a puzzle. Glue pieces to another sheet of poster board to create a picture puzzle for your classroom.

Isn't this a great sign for your classroom door? 

Mirror, Mirror!
You know how much kids love to look at themselves in a mirror. Each day put a positive word or note on your classroom mirror to remind the children how special they are!




Lights, Camera, Action!
I loved this idea from KIRPC Head Start in Indiana. The teacher said she bought sheets, tied the ends with ribbons, and then hung them on hooks around the smart board. Taaa daaa!

P.S. LOOK AT THIS COOL IDEA FOR DISPLAYING CHILDREN'S ARTWORK OR WRITING USING A PANTS HANGER.

MAY HAPPIES

May Day! May Day! The lovely month of May is finally here!!! No more snow and cold weather! Sunshine and good times!

 

09-May

https://bit.ly/drJFreeMay

APRIL HAPPIES

Shower April with joy and good memories!

08-April

https://bit.ly/drJFreeApr

Remember that HAPPINESS IS CONTAGIOUS! YOU can add the magic to these activities with your smile, enthusiasm, and energy!

MARCH HAPPIES

MARCH HAPPIES will be like finding a pot of gold! There are handshakes, cheers, a clean up song, a treasure pirate ship, an egg flip book, a writing prompt “How to Build a Nest”, and “smiles of spring.”

Here's your free link so you'll be ready when March Marches in:

07-March

https://bit.ly/drJFreeMar

FEBRUARY HAPPIES

February is a great time to focus on kindness and friendship! You'll find ideas for morning meeting, transitions, math, reading, science, and social studies in FEBRUARY HAPPIES. 

Here's your link for a FREE download:

06-February 

https://bit.ly/drJFreeFeb

JANUARY HAPPIES

Start a HAPPIE New Year by downloading this free copy of JANUARY HAPPIES.

Here's your free link for 140+ pages:

 

05-January 

https://bit.ly/drJFreeJan

DECEMBER HAPPIES

You'll make every day jolly and bright with all the songs, games, and printables you'll find in our DECEMBER HAPPIES.  You can download 150+ pages of fun and 15 songs wit this free link:

 

04-December

https://bit.ly/drJFreeDec

NOVEMBER HAPPIES

Carolyn Kisloski and I are grateful for YOU, and that’s why we’d like to give you a free copy of our NOVEMBER HAPPIES. You’ll find handshakes, cheers, attention grabbers, and finger plays with a QR code where I demonstrate them. We’ve got activities for beginning writers, days of the week, math, reading, and science, plus a special idea for Veteran’s Day. 

Here's a link so you'll be all set for a NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER!

 

03-November

https://bit.ly/drJFreeNov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OCTOBER HAPPIES

BOO! It's October, and it is bound to be HAPPIE with all the treats you’ll find in this free download of OCTOBER HAPPIES!

02-October

https://bit.ly/drJFreeOct

 
Your students will love the squirrel handshake and the Harry Potter cheer, and you'll be able to grab their attention with Hocus Pocus Focus! "Jack O' Happy" is one of those timeless finger plays and you can follow up "Five Little Pumpkins" with the play dough mat. 


Take a look at the contents:

BACK TO SCHOOL HAPPIES

What is a HAPPIE?
Several years ago when I was doing a workshop a teacher walked in with a cup of coffee from specialty coffee shop. I said, “Don’t you just love that coffee.” She replied, “Yes, it’s my happie.” When I asked what she meant she explained, “You know every day is not totally happy. You have to do a little something special for yourself each day - something to make you happy. That’s what a ‘happie’ is.”

The more Carolyn Kisloski and I talked about this the clearer it became to us that we needed to put some “happies” back in the classroom day as well. Teachers are overburdened with standards, assessments, and expectations from administrators and parents. That’s why Carolyn and I wanted to create something to make teaching and learning more FUN! And, yes, we back up our playful and meaningful activities with research and the curriculum trends.

We have put together “the best of” our 60+ years of teaching experience for each month with tried and true ideas. There are over 100 pages of hands-on learning activities with cheers, handshakes, attention grabbers, transitions, management tips, brain breaks, finger plays, math, literacy, science, and seasonal lesson plans. There are also 15+ song downloads with books and visuals each month.

The good news is that you will be able to download a FREE year full of HAPPIES over the next week. The links will only be available for a month, so make sure you take advantage of this opportunity. (You might even let your bestie teacher friends know about this!)

We promise/hope your new school year will be more FUN for you and your children with our HAPPIES!

WOW!  TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THE HAPPIES TO START YOUR YEAR!

01-Back to School

https://bit.ly/drJFreeBack

 
Good Morning Sign-In Graph………………………………….8
Rise and Shine……………………………………..…………...9
QR Code Demonstration Video…………………..………..10
Handshakes: Thumb Kiss, Hand Hug……………….....…. 11
Cheers: Firecracker, Pat on the Back, Cowboy….…….12
Attention Grabber: Tootsie Roll…...………………….…….13
Transition/ Rules Rap……………………………………    14
Management Our Class Rules Book Covers…………15, 16
I Can Classroom Rules…………………………………....….17
Learning through Play...………………………………....…..18
Building Blocks………………………………………...….……19
Everything in its Place..………………………………….……20
Making Groups………………………………………….……..21
Brain Breaks Cool Bear Hunt…………………………………22
Tooty Ta...…………………….…………………………….......23
If You’re Happy and You Know It………………………….24
Finger Plays Little Girl and Little Boy………………………25
Five Little Hotdogs……...……………………………………..26
Calendar Days of the Week……………………………………27
Math Over in the Meadow……………………………………28-34
The First Twelve Days of School…………………………….35-40
The Numbers of Me………………………………...………...41-44
Punch it Out……………………...…………………………….45
Math Mats……………………………………………...………46, 47
Cereal Math……………………………………………………48
Game My Messy House……………………………………….49
Literacy Letter Anchor Charts……………………………….50
Letter Food Ideas…………………………...…………………51
Letter Puppets………………………………………………….52
Alphardy………………………………………………………...53, 54
Nursery Rhyme Rap…………………………………………...55
Nursery Rhymes…………...…………………………………...56-69
Who Will Help Me Bake the Bread.....................................70
Body Writing…………………………………………………….71
Talk and Listen Sticks…………………………………………..72, 73
Predictable Morning Message……………………………...74
Name Activities………………………………………………...75-78
Katalina Matalina……………...………………………………79-82
Science Colors Prezi………………….……………...………….83
Color Box…………….…………………………………………..84
Color Train……………………………………………………….85
Our Colorful Class……………………………………………...86-99
My Colorful World………………………………...……………100
Mixing Colors……………………………………………………101
Color Balls…………………………...…………………………..102
Mouse Paint Color Mixing……………………………...…….103
Sort the Rainbow…………....…………………………………104
Seasonal Fall Prezi……………………………………………105
Super Star Chant……………………………………...……….106-108
Gray Squirrel………………………………………...……....….109
Apple Tree………………...…………………………………….110, 111
End of the Day It’s Time to Say Good-Bye…………………112

SONGS IN SPANISH

Songs can be a powerful bridge for learning a new language.

TODAY IS SUNDAY

Click to view

THE WEATHER SONG

Click to view

OPPOSITES

Click to view

FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS 

Click to view

COUCH POTATO POKEY

Click to view

COLOR FARM

Click to view

Cheers in Spanish

I’m so excited to share these cheer cards that Carla Ureno (El Paso ISD) created! It’s not easy to translate some of these things into Spanish, so Carla needs to KISS HER BRAIN!

P.S. And thanks to Teacher Toni for updating the graphics. She made them the perfect size to put on a ring.

SPANISH CHEERS

Click to download