Besides the obvious reading materials such as books, magazines and newspapers, reading centers can also contain books on tape or CDs. Put multiple copies of the same book in a reading center so students can partner read or read together in a small group. Students can also practice sight words with a partner. Use a reading center to target vocabulary or specific reading concepts such as main idea and details, fact and fiction, cause and effect, or narrative story elements. Students in lower elementary can focus on matching letters to correct pictures such as the letter "b" with bear. They also can match rhyming pictures or identify letters.
In the lower grades, students can practice counting objects, one-to-one correspondence, or make patterns. They can make patterns with color Unifix cubes or make numerical patterns. Students can also practice adding and subtracting with flash cards or with manipulatives. Older students can create their own word problems and solve them. They also can create bar graphs based on data given to them and practice other math concepts (see Resources).
Students from lower to upper elementary can all enjoy a writing center. Lower elementary students can practice handwriting. When students begin writing sentences, they can write about a specific topic. Post a menu of topics in the center to give students an idea about what to write about. Put note pads, kid-friendly stationery or blank index cards in the center that will motivate students to write (see Resources).
Like math, science is a subject that students get more out of when they're able to learn with objects. Although teachers may not have the time to complete a lot of experiments during the lesson, having a science center can make up for it. Students can do experiments, work with magnets to experience how they repel and attract, or label parts of a plant.