Center time in a pre-k classroom can be as varied as the children in our rooms! I am going to share how centers work in our classroom. This is what works in our classroom, but there are so many DIFFERENT approaches so PLEASE continue to use what works for you and take any ideas you think might enhance your program.
QUESTION
and answers...
HOW LONG IS YOUR CENTER TIME?
Our center time is one hour each day.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CHILDREN
DURING CENTERS?
We start on the carpet at circle and the child vocalize where they want to go.
At the beginning of the year, we work on naming each center.
"Math"
By midyear, the children are answering in a complete sentence.
"I want to play at the block center."
Towards the end of the year, I model (a lot) and encourage students
to share where they are going and what they want to do.
"I am going to art to watercolor paint."
DO YOU LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AT A
CENTER WITH NECKLACES OR A CENTER BOARD?
Yes and No!
I do limit the number of children at each center,
but they do not wear necklaces or move their card on a choice board.
Based on the size of our room,
I limit dramatic play and blocks to four children each.
Most other centers limit themselves by the number of chairs at a table.
The children are able to move around freely
as long as there is space in the center they want to go to.
I honestly can not keep track of those necklaces or boards. They stress me out!
My students learn quickly the expectations and limitations during centers.
Do they still sometimes ask if they can move to the ____ center?
YES!
But we always ask them, "What to do think?" or "What do you need to do?"
ARE THE CHILDREN ABLE TO SELECT WHAT THEY
WANT TO PLAY WITH AT EACH CENTER?
Yes and No!
Art, Math, and the Alphabet tables change daily.
I plan a different activity for the table top centers each day to keep their interest
as I rotate toys and activities through as well as integrate any themed activities.
If a child asks for a different activity and there is room at the table,
they are able to take it out and they are also responsible to put it away before moving on.
Science, Sensory, Blocks, Dramatic Play and the Light Table change weekly or bi-weekly
depending on the theme or interest in the room.
CAN THE CHILDREN MOVE FREELY THOUGH THE ROOM?
Yes!
They are responsible for cleaning up their spot and are then able to select
a new center where there is space.
ARE THERE ANY "MUST DO" CENTERS?
Sometimes...
I like balance and I believe children can benefit form a variety of activities.
So sometimes, I have them complete an art project or a science experiment.
We might be preparing for a holiday or even a science unit
so I call them over to the activity
and they are able to return to their center of choice when they are done.
We "hold" their space there and let others know they are returning
when they finish the "must do" activity.
We try to limit this during center time and
complete these activities during our Small Group time.
For more information on Small Group time click HERE.
WHAT ARE THE TEACHERS DOING DURING CENTERS?
Modeling, playing, listening, sharing, observing, problem solving,
assessing, leading activities, and working with students.
WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE CENTER ACTIVITIES?
Here are some of our favorite activities during center time.
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