Centers are a game-changer for special education classrooms! They make teaching easier for you and learning easier for your students! Ready to transform your classroom? Read on to learn more about how to incorporate stations into your classroom!
Implementing Centers
Centers make such a difference in the classroom! For teachers, implementing center rotations allows you to provide targeted instruction to each student or small group of students. Additionally, they allow you to utilize paraprofessionals in an effective way by having them lead some stations and take data on student performance. For students, centers create a predictable routine. When students know what to expect from their routine, it helps them to build independence!
Implementing center rotations in your classroom takes a little work, but it is so worth it! If you are just starting out, you might make your centers short – maybe 5 minutes or less – to get your students used to the routine. Then, as they get used to the routine, you can increase the time spent at each station. For my students in third through fifth grade, our rotations are usually about 12 minutes each.
Examples of Classroom Centers
There are so many different types of centers you can add to your rotations. In addition to teacher- and para-led workstations, here are some example center ideas.
Computer Station
Students will work on assigned computer work at this rotation. In my school district, we have access to several different learning websites such as ST Math, Waggle, and Successmaker. However, there are plenty of free sites out there that you can have the students utilize! For example, during our reading block I like to have my students use getepic.com to read or listen to books.
Sensory Center
Sensory activities help students to self-regulate and develop their motor skills. Adding sensory exploration to your rotations allows students to get the input they need to maintain their work stamina!
Fine Motor Work
So many of our special education students have fine motor goals. That makes integrating fine motor centers a great option! Because there are a variety of fine motor activities you can include, they will become an activity that students can complete independently.
Life Skills Centers
Teaching life skills to our students is so important, but sometimes it feels like there is just not enough time in the day to do it. Adding a life skills center to your rotations solves this problem! By giving students visual directions and the materials that they need, they will be able to do these tasks independently. Try out a FREE life skills center here!
Centers are truly the best way to differentiate instruction and promote growth and independence! Ready to transform your classroom with centers? Check out the Simple Centers System Course! And if you have any questions about centers, ask them below!
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