Learning Centers for Less

Photo Credit: Liz Marie

Need some cost conscious ideas for independent, fast working students? Following is a list of my favorite cheapies.

Listening centers.

Whether it’s the old fashioned book and tape set you still have, or an audio book file for an I-pod, listening centers are a powerful supplement to any language program, and fantastic for ESL support.

Deck of cards and a set of math tables.

This is a super cheap center idea that requires two people to play. Basically, both players agree ahead of time whether they are playing an addition, subtraction or multiplication round. One person draws two cards, while the other has the math table with answers. If the card drawer gets the math answer right (checked and verified by both partners), they keep those to cards and start their own pile. If not, the cards go back in the pile at the bottom. Then it’s the next person’s turn. The round progresses until the cards are gone. The person with the most cards in their stack wins. Bonus? This is a great way to use up those old decks of cards that may not be complete. You only need to different value cards with each turn.

Word puzzles in sheet protectors.

These work better if you have the answer key as well. Put the blank puzzle back to back with the answer key and slide them into a sheet protector. Using a dry erase marker and an old clean sock, students can check their own works, clear the boards and try again. Consider having a few out for variety. You could also use math problems as well for extra drill and practice.

Computer with learning games.

Whether it’s online activities, or games from various educational software programs, having a computer available during down time is a great way to supplement your students’ computer lab schedule and provide valuable technical skill enhancement for those who may not have a computer at home. Having a goal of a laptop for day-long use for every student is a lofty goal, but the reality is many schools are far from being able to make this happen. If you have at least one computer with internet access in your room, consider making it available.

Simple crafts.

In my humble opinion, the simpler the better when it comes to setting up a craft center. And while I’m sure there are many out there who would disagree, I think the multi step, paints and brush, huge mess art projects are  much better suited to whole group lessons where as a teacher you are more available to provide guidance and structure. Centers are something I like to use as flexible sponge activities, and simple crafts fit the bill. Some ideas? Safety pin bead crafts, friendship bracelets, basic summer camp yarn and stick weavings, etc.

Board games.

Whether it’s a homemade option celebrating the weekly vocabulary words, or a game of Body Boggle, age appropriate board games are a great way to keep children occupied academically in between seatwork assignments and group activities.

Silent reading station.

To make it feel a bit more special than “just read quietly at your desk”, consider letting those done early be able to read silently in a fun seating area like a classroom couch, bean bag or rocking chair. Sometimes, it’s all about switching up the details.

This is obviously not meant to be a fully inclusive list, just a list of the simplest ideas I could think of for shoestring teaching budgets.  One thing’s for sure, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more teacher resource books to review and blog about in the upcoming months. Got another great time consuming cheapie? Don’t forget to sound off in the comment section below.

Last 5 posts by Myscha Theriault

• Setting the Tone: Strategies to Start the Year Off Right - August 1st, 2008
• Want a Green Bulletin Board? Consider Cloth! - August 1st, 2008
• Sign of the Beaver - June 24th, 2008
• Sarah, Plain and Tall - June 24th, 2008
• The Golden Compass - June 18th, 2008