Physical spaces
Atmosphere, layout, materials, and organization all contribute to making choice-rich classrooms effective.
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Having different centers within classrooms make choice-rich activities easy to carry out. The centers provide different materials and spaces to accommodate and connect with the unique learning styles of all students. The students can decide or explore which learning methods work best.
Examples of centers that I would include in my classroom:
Examples of centers that I would include in my classroom:
- Technology center: Computers, laptops, iPads, Smart Board, Skype. Students can have a choice of using the internet to research a topic, use an application on an iPad to practice a skill
- Art Center: Markers, pencils, paper, paint, glue, scissors, table. In an art centers, students can draw or express ideas visually. They can also use come here to make posters for group projects.
- Reading/Literacy Center: Organized books and labeled bookshelves, comfy couch, rug, table, reading lamp, books on tape, word wall, sticky notes, dictionary, graphic organizers. Reading centers can serve as mini libraries in classrooms. They should have a variety of reading materials to meet the levels and interests of all students. Students can be given the option of where to read, who to read with, or what to read.
- Math Center: Manipulatives, math games, dry erase boards, flash cards, counting money, number charts. Classmates can come to math centers for educational games during free time, work with partners for extra help or practice fact families
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Cornerstone Teacher: Learning Centers- This site gives examples of how to provide tasks and activities in centers that reflect the categories of the multiple intelligences theory. Examples from some centers are shown below.
Cornerstone Teacher: Learning Centers- This site gives examples of how to provide tasks and activities in centers that reflect the categories of the multiple intelligences theory. Examples from some centers are shown below.
"I intended to give more element of choice with the centers so students could practice their skills in ways that corresponded with their personal intelligences, but found that this structure was very successful and used it the majority of the time."
Setting Up the Classroom
Like all functional floor-plans designed by architects, classrooms spaces need to be carefully arranged by teachers. When designing classrooms that are student-centered, teachers need to keep in mind:
Like all functional floor-plans designed by architects, classrooms spaces need to be carefully arranged by teachers. When designing classrooms that are student-centered, teachers need to keep in mind:
- The space needs to be flexible and dynamic to allow for a continuous change of activities throughout the day.
- There should be space for movement and free of clutter
- All materials should have their own labeled, designated place
- A variety of physical learning spaces should be available. There should be grouped desks or tables for collaborative learning, a space for a more private setting such as a couch or rug, and a space for one-on-one instruction or assistance with the teacher.
"Student's Choice" clipboard display
- I really like this idea of having a section of the room designated for students to display work of their choice. It is a great way for them to showcase their individual talents and strengths
Classroom Architect lets teachers design their classrooms online!
Seating Arrangements: This page discusses the pros and cons of different desk layouts. The author makes note of which ones work best for collaborative learning.