centers

A learning center is an instructional device developed to meet specific goals and objectives. Centers can be designed to introduce, develop, or reinforce a concept or skill. They can be developed for activities that are concrete or abstract, and may be adapted for different ability and achievement levels. Some advantages of centers are that they personalize and individualize instruction, allow children to make choices, and provide activities that encourage divergent thinking. A teacher's role during center time is to initiate, facilitate, and encourage the students. In each classroom, there is a daily time provided for "centers". This usually lasts and hour or longer. It is a time where children are provided with a choice of activities that develop and refine concepts and skills.