All Things CLASS

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

I'd love some tips to provide to some teachers as well. I recently visited a classroom and their free choice time was chaos. I will be sitting down with my coachees and making a plan on how to get a structured free choice time going.

------------------------------
Amber Calles
JBER AK
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

Some of our Teachers are using craft pocket envelopes on the wall for center time.  They placed a certain amount of pockets in each center labeled with numbers to indicate how many can play in that center at one time.  They labeled the pockets , EX.  1,2,3 or 1,2,3,4.  When a child wants to go to another center he/she takes her name tag and go to another center and place it in the pocket if a space is available.  If no space is available in that particular center, the child asks one of the children in that center if she/he wants to trade places.  If not there are always spaces left open in other center for the child to choose from until a space is available in the center that child wants to play in.

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Jessie Williams
Lafayette LA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 16:58
From: Amber Calles
Subject: A more structured center time

I'd love some tips to provide to some teachers as well. I recently visited a classroom and their free choice time was chaos. I will be sitting down with my coachees and making a plan on how to get a structured free choice time going.

------------------------------
Amber Calles
JBER AK

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

I observed a teacher who encouraged the children to plan out their play before going to centers. In a group discussion they talked about the different center options and what they might do in the different areas relating to their theme. For example, if they were studying flowers, what could they do with flowers in the dramatic play area and the children came up with ideas like a garden or selling flowers. She then gave them journals that they added to daily. She encouraged them to plan and draw about where they wanted to play and what they were going to do. She facilitated the time by asking them to share their plan. Then she was able to follow up with them once they were in their activities. It worked well with this classroom and observing it it was very child led and they still able to make any choice they wanted and didn't have to stick to their plan within the play time, but it made the play time purposeful and not chaotic.

------------------------------
Amanda Hollyfield
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

WOW!

------------------------------
Susan Hinman Waldman
Practice Based Coach
Communities United Inc.
Watertown, MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-20-2019 10:18
From: Amanda Hollyfield
Subject: A more structured center time

I observed a teacher who encouraged the children to plan out their play before going to centers. In a group discussion they talked about the different center options and what they might do in the different areas relating to their theme. For example, if they were studying flowers, what could they do with flowers in the dramatic play area and the children came up with ideas like a garden or selling flowers. She then gave them journals that they added to daily. She encouraged them to plan and draw about where they wanted to play and what they were going to do. She facilitated the time by asking them to share their plan. Then she was able to follow up with them once they were in their activities. It worked well with this classroom and observing it it was very child led and they still able to make any choice they wanted and didn't have to stick to their plan within the play time, but it made the play time purposeful and not chaotic.

------------------------------
Amanda Hollyfield

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

Building relationship with the children is the key, being curious about the children and try to understand them and encourage them to think and share their thoughts are the way

Sent from my iPad
Magda Bedros


Original Message------

I observed a teacher who encouraged the children to plan out their play before going to centers. In a group discussion they talked about the different center options and what they might do in the different areas relating to their theme. For example, if they were studying flowers, what could they do with flowers in the dramatic play area and the children came up with ideas like a garden or selling flowers. She then gave them journals that they added to daily. She encouraged them to plan and draw about where they wanted to play and what they were going to do. She facilitated the time by asking them to share their plan. Then she was able to follow up with them once they were in their activities. It worked well with this classroom and observing it it was very child led and they still able to make any choice they wanted and didn't have to stick to their plan within the play time, but it made the play time purposeful and not chaotic.

------------------------------
Amanda Hollyfield
------------------------------

While teaching kindergarten I used student pictures on magnets as their check in "marker". I'd have them centrally located in the room on a cookie sheet (magnetic). I also had dot stickers on this cookie sheet to indicate number of students in class-this came from students having issues with wanting to put their sticker first, last---whatever it was that year. :) SO 20 students, 20 dots equally spaced on the cookie sheet.
In each center I had a small magnetic board (about 7x7 or less). On these magnetic boards I'd use dot stickers to indicate how many students could play in each center. Students could go to the center, if there was a free dot to place their picture check in magnet on. If there were no dots left, they knew they'd have to choose another center, or sometimes they would ask a friend if they wanted to swap centers. Very often they would tell a friend, "I'll tell you when I finished playing in here"
For writing center, I'd have 2 stickers on the board, which meant only two students could play there at a time. Art, 6 stickers= 6 students could play in that center.
Hope this makes sense and is helpful.

------------------------------
Lisa Morrow
Metairie LA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

Original Message------

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

At our center we use the Highscope curriculum.  This curriculum has a plan/do/review process.  Ch. begin center time by planning what they want to do for centers.  Teachers ask follow-up questions about materials they might use or what they plan on doing in a particular center.  Children are by no means required to stick to their plans.  During center time our teachers (3 per class) are zoned throughout the room interacting with the children.  After they finish cleaning up the children go back to their small groups to recall what they did during center time.  They might share some of what they did during centers.  In Highscope they don't recommend limiting the number of children in a center.  The only time our staff might limit a center is if it becomes so crowded it is a safety issue.  We also have been focusing on conflict resolution a lot this year using the Highscope problem solving steps.  It is helping children to have the tools to solve minor conflicts independently without the need for a teacher to intervene.  Some children obviously require more support than others.  Good luck.

------------------------------
Gillian
NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

Like this!

"This curriculum has a plan/do/review process.  Ch. begin center time by planning what they want to do for centers.  Teachers ask follow-up questions about materials they might use or what they plan on doing in a particular center.  Children are by no means required to stick to their plans."

------------------------------
Susan Hinman Waldman
Practice Based Coach
Communities United Inc.
Watertown, MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-20-2019 14:44
From: Gillian Ramkalawon
Subject: A more structured center time

At our center we use the Highscope curriculum.  This curriculum has a plan/do/review process.  Ch. begin center time by planning what they want to do for centers.  Teachers ask follow-up questions about materials they might use or what they plan on doing in a particular center.  Children are by no means required to stick to their plans.  During center time our teachers (3 per class) are zoned throughout the room interacting with the children.  After they finish cleaning up the children go back to their small groups to recall what they did during center time.  They might share some of what they did during centers.  In Highscope they don't recommend limiting the number of children in a center.  The only time our staff might limit a center is if it becomes so crowded it is a safety issue.  We also have been focusing on conflict resolution a lot this year using the Highscope problem solving steps.  It is helping children to have the tools to solve minor conflicts independently without the need for a teacher to intervene.  Some children obviously require more support than others.  Good luck.

------------------------------
Gillian
NY

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

Hi:
Plan-Do-Review is the part of the High Scope curriculum.  I taught HS Curriculum at Dean College years ago and I found this such a vital part of the curriculum.  I share this with programs/teachers that I am coaching.   Thanks for bringing this process to the group!

Jody

------------------------------
Jody Figuerido
Bellingham MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-25-2019 10:35
From: Susan Waldman
Subject: A more structured center time

Like this!

"This curriculum has a plan/do/review process.  Ch. begin center time by planning what they want to do for centers.  Teachers ask follow-up questions about materials they might use or what they plan on doing in a particular center.  Children are by no means required to stick to their plans."

------------------------------
Susan Hinman Waldman
Practice Based Coach
Communities United Inc.
Watertown, MA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-20-2019 14:44
From: Gillian Ramkalawon
Subject: A more structured center time

At our center we use the Highscope curriculum.  This curriculum has a plan/do/review process.  Ch. begin center time by planning what they want to do for centers.  Teachers ask follow-up questions about materials they might use or what they plan on doing in a particular center.  Children are by no means required to stick to their plans.  During center time our teachers (3 per class) are zoned throughout the room interacting with the children.  After they finish cleaning up the children go back to their small groups to recall what they did during center time.  They might share some of what they did during centers.  In Highscope they don't recommend limiting the number of children in a center.  The only time our staff might limit a center is if it becomes so crowded it is a safety issue.  We also have been focusing on conflict resolution a lot this year using the Highscope problem solving steps.  It is helping children to have the tools to solve minor conflicts independently without the need for a teacher to intervene.  Some children obviously require more support than others.  Good luck.

------------------------------
Gillian
NY

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

We also use the High Scope Curriculum so we do not limit how many children are in a center and our staff are available to help with problem solving.  It never seems to be a problem and the children figure it all out.

So glad to see another High Scope user on here!  Thanks for sharing!

------------------------------
Barbara Fedora
Duluth MN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-20-2019 14:44
From: Gillian Ramkalawon
Subject: A more structured center time

At our center we use the Highscope curriculum.  This curriculum has a plan/do/review process.  Ch. begin center time by planning what they want to do for centers.  Teachers ask follow-up questions about materials they might use or what they plan on doing in a particular center.  Children are by no means required to stick to their plans.  During center time our teachers (3 per class) are zoned throughout the room interacting with the children.  After they finish cleaning up the children go back to their small groups to recall what they did during center time.  They might share some of what they did during centers.  In Highscope they don't recommend limiting the number of children in a center.  The only time our staff might limit a center is if it becomes so crowded it is a safety issue.  We also have been focusing on conflict resolution a lot this year using the Highscope problem solving steps.  It is helping children to have the tools to solve minor conflicts independently without the need for a teacher to intervene.  Some children obviously require more support than others.  Good luck.

------------------------------
Gillian
NY

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

I also worked with the High Scope curriculum a few years ago.  Its a great program!!

------------------------------
Janell Carson
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-27-2019 11:11
From: Barbara Fedora
Subject: A more structured center time

We also use the High Scope Curriculum so we do not limit how many children are in a center and our staff are available to help with problem solving.  It never seems to be a problem and the children figure it all out.

So glad to see another High Scope user on here!  Thanks for sharing!

------------------------------
Barbara Fedora
Duluth MN

Original Message:
Sent: 11-20-2019 14:44
From: Gillian Ramkalawon
Subject: A more structured center time

At our center we use the Highscope curriculum.  This curriculum has a plan/do/review process.  Ch. begin center time by planning what they want to do for centers.  Teachers ask follow-up questions about materials they might use or what they plan on doing in a particular center.  Children are by no means required to stick to their plans.  During center time our teachers (3 per class) are zoned throughout the room interacting with the children.  After they finish cleaning up the children go back to their small groups to recall what they did during center time.  They might share some of what they did during centers.  In Highscope they don't recommend limiting the number of children in a center.  The only time our staff might limit a center is if it becomes so crowded it is a safety issue.  We also have been focusing on conflict resolution a lot this year using the Highscope problem solving steps.  It is helping children to have the tools to solve minor conflicts independently without the need for a teacher to intervene.  Some children obviously require more support than others.  Good luck.

------------------------------
Gillian
NY

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

When I was the 3 year old teacher, for circle time I would have kids to pick out their own name before we entered circle time. I found that to be very helpful because the kids were so excited that they found their own name, and then circle time went smooth(sometimes, lol). ​

------------------------------
Cynthia Hill-Rhodes
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

That's a great idea, l also use that method it helps with a smooth transition as well.

------------------------------
Tamara Rayford
oxford MS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2019 11:58
From: Cynthia Hill-Rhodes
Subject: A more structured center time

When I was the 3 year old teacher, for circle time I would have kids to pick out their own name before we entered circle time. I found that to be very helpful because the kids were so excited that they found their own name, and then circle time went smooth(sometimes, lol). ​

------------------------------
Cynthia Hill-Rhodes
Charlotte NC

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

I use center sticks which have their name on them and are decorated. Each child is responsible for keeping up with their center stick, at each center, there is a velcro pad with circl velcro dots. Once each dot is covered that center is full. Before this transition takes place, l introduce the centers, as well as discuss how many can be at each one. I hope this helps.

------------------------------
Tamara Rayford
oxford MS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

I use center sticks which have their name and picture on a di-cut/laminated star.  Each child is responsible for keeping up with their center star, at each center, there is a library book pocket card that I have laminated and cut the slit open. The students slip their star in a pocket to hold their spot in that center.  Once each pocket is filled that center is full. Before this transition takes place, l introduce the centers and how to clean up.  I hope this helps.

------------------------------
Victoria Salinas-Davis
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-29-2019 11:33
From: Tamara Rayford
Subject: A more structured center time

I use center sticks which have their name on them and are decorated. Each child is responsible for keeping up with their center stick, at each center, there is a velcro pad with circl velcro dots. Once each dot is covered that center is full. Before this transition takes place, l introduce the centers, as well as discuss how many can be at each one. I hope this helps.

------------------------------
Tamara Rayford
oxford MS

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------

I've used many methods.  Many have been mentioned already.  It depends on the age of children in your classroom, number of children with disabilities or behavior plans, etc.  Sometimes it's cumbersome for children to carry around a picture, etc.  They get misplaced or the child forgets to move it.  The teacher has to spend too much time "managing" the Classroom Management System.  

One method that was successful when working with 4 and 5 year old children was to post a paper that has the name of the center (and a picture of the center if desired) with the number of children able to use that center at one time, and the same number of dots below the number.  As a child enters a center, they count the number of dots and then count the number of children.  When children need support, teachers (or other children) can work with child to figure out if they are able to join the center.  This promotes literacy, number recognition, counting, problem-solving, etc.

No rule is unchangeable.  Sometimes children are engaged in a center that's met it's maximum number, but they want another child to join.  In that case I would ask the children about their plan.  If they have a good reason, and they all agree, then I would make an exception.  Exception is one of the vocab words I would teach the children at the beginning of the school year.  It comes in really handy :)   The same would be true for any rule - as long as the exception is safe.

No matter what method is used, teachers should help children learn through the process, and encourage children to use creative thinking to find solutions.


------------------------------
Cheryl Turner
San Luis Obispo CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2019 10:20
From: Cathy Crowgey
Subject: A more structured center time

​​I am coaching teachers that are asking for help on how to have a more structured/organized center time. I would appreciated any ideas. For example, I have one teacher who made 4 necklaces for each center and the children have to have a necklace to be in that center. Children are allowed at anytime for switch with other children. This works well in that particular classroom. I am just searching for some other ideas.

Thank you,

Cathy

------------------------------
Cathy Crowgey
School Readiness/Instructional Coach
Clinch Valley Community Action
Smyth/Wythe/Bland Counties
------------------------------