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OUT OF THE BOX AND INTO THE CENTER
the well centered classroom
 
                                
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Guiding Learning through Centers-Based Instruction.

Organized chaos may describe a classroom that is based on the centers model.  One group of students is reading from a Social Studies text and having a spirited argument about their reading, while one group is writing and rewriting their assignments, asking for and offering input.  One group is working on their grammar skills on a web based curriculum, while still another is reading aloud by turns.  Three of the four centers are focused on an ongoing PBL project. The timer sounds and everyone is up and moving to their next task.  

 Students and teacher are engaged in a rich environment of interaction as they learn, grow and share.  From the outside it looks like chaos, but from the inside it feels real.
A well centered classroom takes on a life of its own.  Days are the same and yet they are different.  Students learn to depend on each other and they learn to ask for what they want and need from their peers and from their teacher.
The- day begins with a time to be a close knit community.  Expectations and learning goals are stated.  Students join their learning groups and begin the process of moving from one learning center to the next and working intently for periods of 20-30 minutes before moving to the next learning opportunity.
This is the model for both Language Arts and Math instructional time.
The instructor has the opportunity to check in with every student in both subject areas as small groups cycle through the day.  Using web based curriculums, students experience differntiated instruction that meets their needs.  Engagement is real as students are empowered to reach new levels and earn badges and game time.  Progress is measurable through web based tracking of student time and skills.  Progress is measurable by observation and discussion.  Progress is measurable through satisfaction.
This is a journey well worth exploring, as both educator and learner.  Please, jump out of the box and into centers.