Center-based Learning
Our teachers are highly skilled at differentiating instruction within the classroom. A center-based approach allows for a 1:4 student-to-teacher ratio during core subject instruction (reading, writing, math). When implemented well, centers enable students to interact in a relaxed setting, and empower them to navigate the learning environment on their own and in diverse groups. Well-chosen center activities accommodate different learning styles, and allow students activate executive functions as they apply skills and strategies in fun, engaging ways.
In the Elementary classroom, centers establish a highly structured, predictable routine for daily learning that enhances the teacher’s ability to:
Promote independence: Centers involve a complex choreography of diverse students, areas, and materials. Teachers must create comprehensive procedures, communicate them to students, and allow adequate time to practice them until they become routine.
Differentiation with intention: Centers allow students to work in different configurations including independently, in groups they choose based on interest, and in mixed ability or leveled groups. In all cases, grouping decisions must be intentional, based on the nature and purpose of each activity.
Provide meaningful tasks: Center tasks in any content area should be interesting, challenging, and when possible, provide students a chance to practice skills in authentic ways--meaning that activities help students apply their skills to real-life learning.
Assess the impact: Whether by observing students as they're working, collecting student work to review, or interacting with them in a teacher-led center, teachers are conducting continuous formative assessment to monitor student progress. This allows for the teacher to adjust support or pacing for remediation or identify when the student needs to be challenged further.
Promote use of executive functions: Structured centers offer students opportunities to organize materials, practice time management, have time to self-edit or peer-edit work, and follow sequential steps to complete tasks. Writing centers are established to emphasize the “phases of writing” to assist students with the writing process.
