Re: Centers

Posted by Sandra on 1/08/05

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This is my second year in Kindergarten in a half-day
kindergarten. I agree with other comments RE the importance
of play. I have also had our grade one teachers ask for us
to impose more structure on the students so that they are
better prepared for grade one. I have tried to balance these
needs by using the following system:
After circle time the students "write" for 7 minutes, in
silence. Sometimes they are drawing, copying
words, 'driting', etc... Sometimes I give them tracers.

We then have 10 minutes of table time. During table time,
they must choose one of the activities that are set up on the
tables. I put out puzzles, playdoh, magnetic letters,
sorting activities, crafts, colouring sheets, felt board,
sewing cards, etc... I'll usually leave the same table
activities for the whole week and most students visit each of
the tables at some point.

Next we have 15 minutes of free play. Many of the students
will continue with their table time activity during this
time, however, they can go wherever they want (housekeeping,
puppets, sand, paint, blocks, cars, dollhouse, etc...)

I always have one activity that they must finish sometime
during table time or free play time. I work with a small
group at one of the tables until all have visited.

Good luck and have fun. Trust you students. They want to
learn.
Sandra
On 7/14/03, Kim wrote:
> Being semi-new to kindergarten, (I taught it 4 years ago-
> before Building Blocks) I need advice on setting up my
> centers. I want educational based centers, where at my
> school (besides writing) the centers in the other K's seem
> to be all play oriented. (blocks, puzzles, housekeeping...)
> I know the children need that too, but the first grade
> teachers say it is too much "playing", and that the new
> first graders come in wanting to "play" just a little too
> much. I love the building blocks idea, but it all new to
> me. I struggle with setting up, and rotation of the
> centers concept. How long? How many? Ideas for centers?
> Any help to me would be helpful!
>
> Thanks,
> Kim

Posts on this thread, including this one

• Centers, 7/14/03, by Kim.
• Re: Centers, 7/14/03, by Lisa.
• Re: Centers, 7/14/03, by Lisa-long message.
• Re: Centers-Oops!, 7/14/03, by Lisa.
• Re: Centers for Lisa, 7/27/03, by Connie.
• Re: Centers for Lisa--to Connie, 7/29/03, by Lisa.
• Re: Centers for Lisa--to Connie, 10/13/03, by Nora in Texas.
• Re: Centers, 1/08/05, by Sandra.