Primary learning centers should ideally be set up in the classroom before the children arrive. When all children are present for the day, give your class a guided tour of the learning centers. Point out each center and mention the activities that will take place in that center. It would also be wise to discuss, as well as post, the rules for each center. Take pictures of your class exploring the centers on the first day. Post these pictures on your class website or display them around your classroom. As the year progresses, continue to take pictures to show the different activities available in each center during the year.
Once you have established clear rules about behavior in the centers, it is time to decide how you will be sure each child has a chance to experience each center. Many teachers choose to keep the same group of children in one center for one week before moving them to the next center. Or you can choose to allow each small group to remain in the center for one day, or even just a short spurt of time, such as 30 minutes. Center time should not interfere with instructional time in an elementary school classroom, but rather enhance the skills the children have learned through activities and projects. However you choose to move children through the learning centers, be sure each group has ample time to explore the materials you have provided.
Though you can choose to create learning centers that best suit your children's interests and developmental needs, there are several standard learning centers that are present in most classrooms. The art center is a popular choice and will contain any art or craft materials you may have, such as paints, easels, fabric scraps, scissors and glue, as well as the standard crayons and markers. You can also create a center for computer use, a library center, a writing center, a science center and a math and manipulative center. Each of these centers will contain a few activities for children to choose from that enhance the skills you have introduced in the classroom. Each center will have its own set of rules, also. For example, the art center will require more cleanup time than the computer center, and teachers should plan activities accordingly.
In order to encourage children to participate in the activities you have provided in the primary learning centers, offer a reward or incentive system. For example, for each center a small group completes each week, award a check mark or a sticker. When a group collects a certain number of stickers, offer a small prize such as a fancy pencil or a bookmark. To keep track of which center each group visited during the week, have children keep a detailed journal or schedule that lists the centers they visited and the activities they completed. You can separate children into small-center groups according to ability level or areas of interest.