centers

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centers
By stephanieA.

I just wanted to "amen" Ls' response about centers. I often feel alone on my grade one team because I am compelled by my sense of what I think young children need to have an independent work time (for all the reasons Ls stated).
Not only does it invite the children to be active members of their learning community, but it provides me with a powerful glimpse into the ways they construct knowledge, their personalities, etc. This informs my instruction and deepens my appreciation of the students. Once a teacher complained that I "let my students play". I reminded her that a child's play IS their work. There

is explicit instruction occurring in my class, but the self-directed learning of my students makes that time easier, too. The diverse learning styles of the students are met through having this free choice time.