Learning centers refer to areas and activities in an academic program that allow students to manipulate materials, explore ideas, find out about consequences, build, create and express themselves through art. Learning centers also give students with the opportunity to make decisions in order to have more freedom in the timing of his or her learning. It is highly suggested that children should have a choice in how a learning center should be designed and operated to create the most effective learning environment. Ideal learning centers are not imposed; instead, they give the student a choice as to which center he or she prefers and the time that he or she will participate.
The value of play and manipulation encouraged in learning centers allows a student to learn the following essential concepts:
- Learning center projects provide hands-on reinforcement activities to supplement a skill taught in the classroom.
- Playing and interacting with other students allow a student to function as part of a group, which gives him or her the opportunity to enhance his or her social skills.
- The activities conducted in a learning center teach students the value of cooperation, teamwork, respect and empathy for other students.
- Learning centers teach students the rules and regulations of play and how this affects them and others directly.
- Learning centers allow students to determine what they are capable of achieving and to practice if they are lacking in an area.
- Learning centers are also excellent settings to help children learn how to solve problems and resolve conflicts.
- Learning centers which put great emphasis on motor activities allow the child to develop his physical strength and skill.
Each learning center should have a goal or purpose in mind for each activity assigned to students. The activities should be open-ended enough so that the children will be encouraged to extend it or create another activity. In both cases, their creativity is stimulated.
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