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Centers in Containers
by Roxanne
I then printed out nine of my second grade learning centers and a picture to go with each of them from the computer and taped it on the front. The labels will remain the same but the contents of each container will be changed and/or added to according to the weekly standards. In each container, I place three folders: one red, one yellow and one green with the titles of the three differential activities, many copies of the directions for each and all the resources/concrete materials needed for that task. When a group of 4-5 children are sent to a specific center, one child from the group will take out the drawer and bring it back to their play/work area. They chose a folder according to the activity they wish to complete and then work alone, with a partner or two or the whole group to complete the activity. When I give the signal they clean up and one person returns the container back to the center, while the other children date the activity on their weekly center checklist. How to use and behave in the centers is modeled in the beginning of the year and rules are posted. The materials for the centers are very inexpensive, practical, engaging, and obtainable at many Dollar Stores. They have many art and writing center supplies. Be resourceful and creative. For example, one writing center activity would be to chose a picture in the folder and write about the 5 W?s. Another would be to create a story using the picture or just illustrate or write about what it makes you think of. The pictures are cut from old calendars or magazines sent in by parents and then laminated. In the math center, flashcards, playing cards, dominoes and dice are essential. The side of a cereal box is good for a science center or you could cut the back of the cereal box off and place it in a game center. Children love that one. Stackable containers with drawers are just one example of keeping the classroom simple, basic and organized.
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