If you’re a special education teacher in a self-contained classroom, the idea of running centers might feel overwhelming—or even impossible. Maybe you’ve thought:
- “My students can’t rotate.”
- “I don’t have enough time or staff.”
- ” My students aren’t independent enough”
- “My students will elope”
- “Centers only work for gen ed classrooms.”
Let’s take a deep breath and bust some common myths about using centers in special education—and replace them with the real, doable truth.
Myth 1: “My students can’t rotate.”
Truth: Your students can rotate with the right supports.
Rotation doesn’t have to mean chaos. Visual schedules, timers, and simple routines can make rotating manageable—even for students with intensive needs. Start small with two groups and one rotation. Practice the routine before adding content. You’ll be surprised how capable your students are when the expectations are clear.
Myth 2: “Centers take too much prep time.”
Truth: Centers can actually save time in the long run.
Yes, there’s an initial setup—but once you’ve prepped materials (think: task boxes, adapted books, matching cards), you can reuse them week after week. Centers let you differentiate instruction, reuse materials, and work smarter, not harder. Bonus: once students are familiar with the format, they become more independent—freeing you up to collect data or support where it’s most needed.
Myth 3: “I don’t have enough staff.”
Truth: Independent centers are designed to run with minimal adult support.
This is where visual directions, structured work systems, and repeated routines shine. The Simple Centers System is built with self-contained classrooms in mind, where staff might be stretched thin. The goal? Get students working independently while one adult floats or works 1:1 as needed.
Myth 4: “Centers are only for academic skills.”
Truth: Centers are perfect for teaching life skills, communication, and behavior goals, too.
Think beyond academics. Centers can include life skills like sorting laundry, communication practice using AAC, social-emotional skills, and more. You can target multiple IEP goals in short, manageable chunks—all while building consistency and structure in your day.
Myth 5: “Centers are too complicated for my students.”
Truth: Centers work because they are simple and consistent.
Once routines are established, students thrive on the predictability of centers. They know what to expect and what’s expected of them. Even students with significant support needs can participate when tasks are leveled appropriately. Remember: simple tasks, visual cues, and repetition are key.
✅ Ready to Get Started?
If you’re curious about using centers but unsure where to start, the Simple Centers System was created just for you. It breaks down the how-to, gives you the tools and visuals you need, and helps you build centers that actually work—in real self-contained classrooms.
Want to learn more or get on the waitlist? [Click here to join the Simple Centers System list now!]
