When I started teaching, I knew centers were an important part of an early childhood classroom. I knew we learned about them in college, and I had seen them set up in different environments that I had observed. I didn’t fully understand centers and why they were necessary until the second week of school, my very first year.
To be honest, the centers in my classroom during my first year, that first week, were a wreck. I had no idea what I was doing. I had no idea how to implement them, what they should consist of, or why I was having students “play” in them. I learned a lot, and I believe I had very engaging, differentiated, and effective centers in my classroom.
Centers are an important part of a classroom environment because:
Most important, children learn through play. Play is the vehicle in which all children learn. They get to pretend and try new things and ideas. Children can make mistakes in an area where they feel comfortable to try again. Each center should include developmentally appropriate materials and ideas that build from what you have previously taught. Go through this list and see what your centers may be lacking or other things that you are doing differently. Reflect on how to make your centers the best they can be!
~ Tisha
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