[teacher24]

When do you begin introducing centers, and how long do you let the children do a center before moving on to the next one? Also, how many centers do you have? Any ideas would be appreciated. Last year, my centers went fairly well, but I am looking to improve them.

[Miss Sam]

Hello, Debbie Diller's workstation book has some great ideas! She recommends waiting until the 3rd or 4th week to begin stations for K. I will use these stations this year. We will have 3 rotations per day that last for 15 minutes.

1. ABC Word Study- words their way games, magnetic letters, letter bears, etc.
2. Buddy Reading- books from Guided Reading groups
3. Listening Center
4. Library
5. Drama- small pictures on popsicle sticks to retell read aloud stories
6. Pocket Chart- Poems and Environmental Print
7. Writing- Handwriting, Journals, Dry Erase Boards, etc.
8. Art
9. Science/Social Studies

[ggteach]

I introduce centers one each day, I show them the center sign where the center is located in the room and expectations for that center. I have them then explore the center. I had 12 centers and did then 3 times a week rotations four time for 15 minutes.
1.ABC Center
2. Listening Center
3. Library
4. Game/Puzzel
5. Write around the room
6. Art
7. Writing
8. Living Center
9. Overhead
10. Computer
11. Pocket Chart
12. Sight Word Center

[teacher24]

ggteach (and anyone else who may do this), I am interested in perhaps introducing one center a day, but am nervous that it will not be enough. I know I will have to feel my class out and model consistently, but how do you make it work in your classroom?

[ggteach]

The reason I introduce one center a day is just to make sure that my expectations are clear and explicit for that center. I model for the student what is acceptable behavior in the center and what is not acceptable. I model use of materials in that center. I make sure that the students realize they are responsible for all materials that they use in the center, respect the materials in the centers and realize that "if you abuse it, you lose it" is the standard rule. I show they the signal for clean-up and model how the center sould look once clean. I then allow them a few at time to explore the center while other students are doing something else, if I notice unacceptable behavior I pull all of them back to the carpet we discuss the behavior and just keep repeating this.
These are some of the student's responsibilities make sure they are aware of them.
Students will:
-be respectful of the sanctity of the guided reading group (this is when I do my guided reading)
-not interrupt the learning environment or be disruptive
-attemp to problem solve and work independently before seeking assistance
-respect the materials in the centers and realize that "if you abuse it, you lose it" is the standard rule
-be held accountable for their time in the center
-stay focused and on task for the duration of the center time
-be responsible for all materials that they use in the center
-be ready to reflect and share their discoveries with others