Learning Centers - Listening/
Speaking/Reading/Thinking/
Writing
What to Expect in the Learning Centers
The learning centers help you manage small-group rotations while helping the children apply what they have learned and develop their skills through exploration and play. The hands-on activities promote oral language, building on whole- and small-group instruction in a workshop setting where children can work both independently and collaboratively. The centers are found in the guide on the pages between whole- and small-group instruction, delineated by an orange bar across the top of the pages.
Using the Learning Centers
The children are prepared to participate in center activities either through whole- and small-group instruction or direct modeling at the center. Note that some activities will require your guidance while others are designed to encourage the children to work independently. The activities within each center are ordered by level of difficulty to help you select the most appropriate activities for your children.
The following procedures should be used when introducing and modeling a learning center activity:
- explain the purpose of the center
- show the children how to do the selected activity
- discuss the appropriate use of supplies
- individual instructional needs
- growth in communication skills
- engagement and problem solving
- oral vocabulary and comprehension development
- social interactions with others
- independence and application
Language and Literacy Centers
Language and literacy centers provide purposeful learning activities in thinking, speaking, listening, reading, writing, and dramatic play. These activities promote emergent vocabulary development, word recognition, phonemic awareness, and knowledge of syllables, onsets and rimes, and sounds.
Developmental Centers
Developmental centers offer a menu of activities that reinforce targeted skills, concepts, and strategies, provide interdisciplinary connections and exploration, and address a variety of learning styles and developmental needs. Oral language development, social interaction, and artistic expression are nurtured through developmental center activities.
