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Centers
The use of centers helps make classroom management easier and adds variety
and interest for students. Space often dictates the number to use in any
given classroom.
Centers often used in classrooms included: blocks, books/listening, kitchen or
housekeeping, tracing or writing, and manipulatives. Some manipulatives
are out each day but the manipulatives available are rotated.
Otherwise, students tire of them. The sand water table was put out on an as
needed basis. We use at least one book/tape for children to listen to with
every unit. With some units, books and tapes were rotated daily.
Warning, parents often see centers as just for play. It is good to let
them know how you use for learning.
Below you will find a list of centers and skills
associated with each.
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Writing Center
- Fine motor coordination
- Self expression
- Pre-writing & pre-reading
skills
- Self esteem
- Independence
- Letter/sound recognition
- Creativity
- Interest in written
material
- Exposure to written
material
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Sand and Water Table
- Learning about natural
elements in the environment
- Small motor coordination
- Experimentation with
minerals
- Problem Solving Skills
Computer Center
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Computer Center
- Taking turns
- Number recognition
- Letter recognition
- Problem solving skills
- Following directions &
rules
- Communication
- Introduction to
understanding of technology
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Block Center
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Understanding of: gravity,
incline planes, balancing
- Math and reading readiness
- Writing and labeling
- Independence & choice
making
- Expression of feeling in
socially acceptable ways
- Height awareness
- Weight awareness
- Cooperation with peers
- Appreciation of
construction
- Vocabulary extension
- Respect of materials
- Pride of accomplishment
- Awareness of
responsibility
(clean up)
- Muscle control &
coordination
- Visual perception
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Book Center
- Appreciation
- Creativity and imagination
- Cause & effect
- Communication with peers
- Appreciation &
storytelling
- Appreciation of materials:
puppets,
flannel board,
magnetic board
- Expansion of vocabulary
- Respect of books and
materials
- Empathy
- Social skills
- Exposure to a variety of
books
- Exposure to a variety of
print
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Manipulatives
- Creativity
- Color, size, and
shape
- Classifying and
sorting
- Sequencing
- Number concepts
- Matching and Pairing
- Working
cooperatively with others
- Self discipline
- Perseverance of task
- Self esteem
- Risk taking
- Fine motor skills
- Eye hand
coordination
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Art Center
- Color recognition
- Fine motor skills:
cutting,
pasting,
tearing,
writing,
drawing,
painting
- Large motor skills:
play dough,
mixing paint,
easel painting
- Self expression &
creative thinking
- Positive self image
- Exploration of
materials
- Textures
- Appreciation of own
work & work of peers
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Housekeeping
- Communication with
peers & adults
- Social roles (mom,
dad, etc.)
- Family associations
and relations
- Identification of
community helpers and role playing
- Vocabulary
development
- Sharing of material
and roles
- Exposure to a
variety of materials and rooms (kitchen, bedroom, nursery)
- Independence &
choice making
- Self esteem
- Reading and writing
- Appreciation of
home, school, and community
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