Creating Classroom Centers

Creating Classroom Centers

In this course, you will learn how to create and implement center activities that boost independent learning in the classroom. You will start out by learning what a center is, what benefits it offers, and how to make the most of it. Next, you will explore some very common mistakes teachers make with centers and gain tips for keeping your planning time to a minimum. You will receive step-by-step instructions for creating a center schedule that students at every reading level can use independently.

Short on classroom space? You will get great ideas for storing your center and explore some alternatives to having a permanent spot for every center. You will 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. The insights you will gain will show you how to adjust your centers routine for both your fastest learners and those who need more time.

Think centers can only be used for reading and language arts? Think again. You will discover effective ways to use centers to support math, science, and social studies instruction. You will also see how you can use technology – such as virtual bulletin boards, apps, and interactive white boards – in your center activities to help keep your students engaged. By the time you finish, you will have a wealth of resources and center ideas you can try out in your classroom immediately.

Syllabus

• Lesson 1 – Getting Started With Centers
• Lesson 2 – Mistakes People Make
• Lesson 3 – Planning for Centers
• Lesson 4 – Helping Students Manage Centers
• Lesson 5 – Managing the Papers, Places, and Materials
• Lesson 6 – Practice Makes Permanent
• Lesson 7 – Launching the First Week of Centers
• Lesson 8 – Moving Forward With Centers
• Lesson 9 – Small-Group Instruction
• Lesson 10 – Taking Choice Activities Outside of Centers
• Lesson 11 – Bringing Variety to Your Centers
• Lesson 12 – Center Ideas to Take and Try

Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

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