I have numerous centers in my first grade classroom. I feel that centers can be very successful in the classroom. However, organization is the key! I use library pockets labeled with the childrens' names mounted on a bulletin board. Each pocket holds cards that name each center in my room. When a student is finished with morning seatwork, he or she simply goes to their pocket, pulls the center card that they will work in, drops the card in a basket and goes to that center. They are responsible for making certain that the center they choose is available. They know how many each center can accomodate.When their pockets are empty, then I know they have visited each center and they may begin again. My morning seatwork is minimal so it is necessary for me to have several centers.
I have a listening center that holds up to 6 children. I have several books on tape. I even buy them at garage sales and record them at home. The children love it! My creative writing center houses our picture and young readers' dictionaries, as well as two baskets of all the crayons we find on the floor each day, colored markers , various paper, assorted stencils,old magazines, and anything else I throw back there. The children love to create their own stories using inventive spelling and the grammar rules they have learned. We are very fortunate to have three computers in our room. They are not internet accessible at this point, but do have reading and math tutorials on them. Some of the children have already made it to second grade level on the computer! Our reading center is our pride and joy. It comes complete with over a hundred books, a couch, recliner, and area rug. The couch was being thrown out by a local firestation, the rug was discarded and rescued from down the street, and the recliner was only $5.00 at a garage sale. Here, the children also play instructional reading and math games. I do insist on good behavior. The children must use their "quiet, indoor voices" or back to their seats they go. That rarely happens because they treasure their center time. And I do firmly believe these centers are increasing my childrens' academic and social progress!
