LEARNING
CENTERS
HOW TO
LEARNING CENTERS
LEARNING CENTER RELATED TOPICS
HOW TO START A LEARNING CENTER
HOW TO START A COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER
TYPES OF LEARNING CENTERS
TYPES OF LEARNING CENTERS RELATED TOPICS
HOW TO SET UP CLASSROON LEARNING CENTERS
HOW TO SET UP CLASSROON LEARNING CENTERS RELATED TOPICS
HOW TO START YOUR OWN EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER
THREE LEARNING STYLES
LEARNING CENTERS LINKS
BACK TO TOP
SECTION 1
LEARNING
CENTERS
The term Learning Centers refers to designated areas of the classroom
where students congregate in small groups to accomplish given learning
tasks. Typically, students can work independently in these centers,
sometimes while the teacher works with a small reading group.
Examples of learning centers may include: listening to audio cassettes,
playing educational games on the computer, practicing handwriting,
writing/editing written works, reading silently, playing imaginatively
in the puppet center, and playing math games with manipulatives. Student
work in a given learning center for a certain amount of time, then rotate
to the next one when time is up.
Teachers will need to spend a significant amount of time training students
on how to behave during center time, as well as modeling how to complete
each of the learning center activities. This will assure that learning
center time is productive.
Learning Centers
http://k6educators.about.com/od/educationglossary/g/Learning-Centers.htm
BACK TO TOP
SECTION 2
LEARNING
CENTERS
RELATED
TOPICS
Managing Learning Centers in the Classroom
http://k6educators.about.com/od/LearningCenters/fl/Managing-Learning-Centers-in-the-Classroom.htm
How to Set Up Classroom Learning Centers
http://k6educators.about.com/od/lessonplanheadquarters/a/How-To-Set-Up-Classroom-Learning-Centers.htm
Start the Year Off Organized
http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroomorganization/tp/Start-The-Year-Off-Right-With-Classroom-Organization.htm
Special Education in Collaborative Classrooms
http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/publicschoolprograms/p/collaboration.htm
Learn How to Manage Classroom Centers
http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroomorganization/fl/Top-Ways-to-OrganizeStore-and-Manage-Classroom-Centers.htm
How to Create a Successful Inclusive Classroom
http://specialed.about.com/od/integration/a/inclusional.htm
Kinesthetic Learning
http://k6educators.about.com/od/educationglossary/g/gkinesthetic.htm
Visual Learning
http://k6educators.about.com/od/educationglossary/g/Visual-Learning.htm
TLM Teaching Learning Materials
http://k6educators.about.com/od/educationglossary/g/gtlm.htm
Cooperative Learning
http://k6educators.about.com/od/educationglossary/g/gcooplearning.htm
Educational Games
http://k6educators.about.com/od/educationalgames/Educational_Games.htm
Assessment - Lesson Plan Assessment and Follow-Up
http://k6educators.about.com/od/lessonplanheadquarters/g/lp_assessment.htm
Student-Centered Learning: Community Circle
http://k6educators.about.com/library/weekly/aa101500a.htm
Scaffolding Instruction
http://k6educators.about.com/od/helpfornewteachers/a/scaffoldingtech.htm
What do the Best Teachers Have in Common?
http://k6educators.about.com/library/weekly/aa010701a.htm
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SECTION 3
HOW TO
START
A
LEARNING
CENTER
Learning centers work with people of all ages, helping them acquire
educational skills they lack. Learning centers vary from those that
work only with children to those that offer tutoring, reading and
adult education. A person thinking of going into this field of
education must follow many steps to start a learning center.
Instructions
1. Decide what type of learning center you want to start. Many people
decide to work only with children or adults. Others want to offer
services for all age groups, including literacy programs, test
preparation and early childhood development at their center.
2. Learn the laws in the community that will apply to setting up
a learning center. Many states require certain educational
certifications and licenses for people supervising learning centers.
Certifications determine whether or not the center can work with
local schools and universities. Check out your state's Department
of Education to find information on certifications and licenses
needed.
3. Construct a website and get a domain name. Keep the domain name
simple, with words that are searchable on Internet search engines.
Constructing a website is important whether or not a person is
offering online services, because the Internet is often the first
place people look for educational services.
4. Open a franchise of an established learning center. Sylvan Learning
Center offers franchise opportunities for people interested in starting
a learning center. Starting a franchise of a well-known company with a
positive reputation saves people from having to establish a name.
5. Make business cards and letterheads. Even if the business is in its
infancy, a professional presence is necessary to gain credibility in the
community. Leave business cards at various schools to obtain clientele.
6. Advertise that a learning center is opening in the community. Buy ads
in local papers and newsletters. Post fliers at local schools and
universities. Place a free ad on Craigslist. Send letters or postcards to
schools in the area.
7. Hire qualified people to work at the learning center. The tutors and
instructors working at the center should at least have bachelor's degrees
in a particular subject area and have certifications outlined by the state
or membership in organizations such as the National Tutoring Association.
Make sure instructors at the learning center take advantage of additional
training programs as well.
How to Start a Learning Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_4895899_start-learning-center.html#ixzz1ulzmtNXd
BACK TO TOP
SECTION 4
HOW TO
START
A
COMMUNITY
LEARNING
CENTER
If you have good organizational skills, good community contacts
and a desire to provide your community with needed learning
opportunities, your efforts to open a Community Learning Center
will enrich your community. Senior citizens, stay-at-home mothers,
children looking for after-school activities and others will
appreciate your efforts. "Be a student so long as you still have
something to learn, and this will mean all your life," said Henry
L. Doherty, who sums up the interest that many people have in
expanding their horizons by embracing the opportunity to learn new
things.
Instructions
1. Identify the community that you wish to serve. You will tailor
the class times that you offer to the people that you plan to serve.
If you will offer classes for senior citizens, you can run the
classes during the daytime, but if you want to have classes for
younger people, you must schedule the classes in the evenings and
on weekends when they have free time after school and work.
2. Survey your community to determine which subjects people in the
community want to learn. Place surveys in local supermarkets, churches,
community centers and other areas where people gather to find out what
type of classes people would like to see. Offer them options to check
off in the survey including arts and crafts, basic car or home
maintenance, exercise, studies towards a General Educational Development
(GED -- High School Equivalency) exam, current events or hobbies. Ask
community professionals such as librarians and local educators for their
input.
3. Locate a place to hold the classes. Community centers, religious
institutions, libraries or schools may allow community learning centers
to use their facilities for free or for a nominal cost as part of their
own mandate to serve the community.
4. Identify teachers and facilitators who can lead classes. States have
different laws regarding who can teach certain subjects, especially
technical subjects or classes towards a GED. On the other hand, many
subjects need only a dynamic leader who has a background in the subject
matter and who can convey the material in a lively and stimulating manner.
5. Fund raise or set class fees to obtain the needed funds to start your
learning center. If you start with volunteer instructors and donated space,
you won't need a lot of capital, just materials' fees for the projects. If
you will need to pay instructors and rent space, you will need capital to
begin the project. The amount depends on your start-up costs, number of
classes that you plan to run, and salaries.
6. Register to pay taxes if you will collect payments for the classes. You
will need to register for federal and state taxes, either as a non-profit
(if your learning center will not earn profits) or as a business. States'
tax laws differ, but all have options to register as a non-profit
organization if you have registered as a non-profit 501(c)(3) with the IRS.
How to Start a Community Learning Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_7784288_start-community-learning-center.html#ixzz1um5SpR9A
BACK TO TOP
SECTION 5
TYPES
OF
LEARNING
CENTERS
A learning center is a station set aside for a particular learning
activity. Learning centers can be designed for individual use or
group learning. They can consist of countless activities and subjects,
including math, science, music, performance, language skills. Learning
centers can be divided into four types: learning-style, enrichment,
skill and discovery.
Learning-Style Center
Some learning centers focus on each student's individual learning style.
These centers help students develop understanding of topics through
auditory, tactile, and visual methods. A learning-style learning center
might include a visual representation such as a map or an illustration,
an auditory component such as a recording or an audio-book excerpt, and
a tactile activity, such as an enactment of an event or concept.
Enrichment Center
Enrichment learning centers focus on the main objective of a lesson,
offering ways for students to enrich their understanding the lesson.
For example, if the lesson previously taught was on the life cycle of
plants, enrichment activities might include viewing plant samples under
a microscope and watching a video that shows and explains the cycle in
more detail.
Skill Center
Skill centers are more structured than enrichment centers, but they also
focus on improving understanding of a lesson previously taught. These
centers provide opportunities for students to master important skills.
Examples of skill centers include practicing math problems and formulas,
recalling the steps in the scientific method, or reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Discovery Center
Discovery centers are the least structured and most creative type of
learning center. Discovery center activities allow students to find
their own answers to questions and to come up with questions of their
own. The biggest strength of discovery centers is that they permit
students to investigate topics according to their own interests. For
example, discovery center activities after a lesson on ancient
civilizations might include a table with building blocks and small
figurines for students to arrange as they see fit into cities and
historical battle scenes.
Types of Learning Centers
http://www.ehow.com/info_7923189_types-learning-centers.html
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SECTION 6
TYPES
OF
LEARNING
CENTER
RELATED
TOPICS
How to Arrange a Learning Center in the Early Headstart Classroom
http://www.ehow.com/how_8727496_arrange-center-early-headstart-classroom.html
How to Finance a Child Learning Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_8605530_finance-child-learning-center.html
How to Learn English in a Community Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_7916093_learn-english-community-center.html
How to Open a Preschool Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_6225020_open-preschool-center.html
How to Open a Self Learning Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_2124179_open-self-learning-center.html
How to Start a Rehab Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_6831199_start-rehab-center.html
How to Set Up Math Centers in the Classroom
http://www.ehow.com/how_7866628_set-up-math-centers-classroom.html
How to Start an After-School Learning Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_4556312_start-afterschool-learning-center.html
How to Start a Child Learning Center in Your Home
http://www.ehow.com/how_6330697_start-child-learning-center-home.html
How to Start a Community Art Class
http://www.ehow.com/how_6245477_start-community-art-class.html
How to Start a Community Newspaper
http://www.ehow.com/how_2120013_start-community-newspaper.html
How to Start a Community Technology Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_2124217_start-community-technology-center.html
How to Start a Computer Training Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_4843167_start-computer-training-center.html
How to Start a Daycare Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_2291460_start-daycare-center.html
How to Start a Learning Assistance Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_8594079_start-learning-assistance-center.html
How to Start a Wildlife Rehab Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_5630706_start-wildlife-rehab-center.html
How to Start Your Own Educational Learning Center
http://www.ehow.com/how_7828009_start-own-educational-learning-center.html
Benefits of Learning Centers
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5005517_benefits-learning-centers.html
Learning Center Ideas for Social Studies
http://www.ehow.com/way_5262831_learning-center-ideas-social-studies.html
Benefits of Learning Centers
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5005517_benefits-learning-centers.html
What Are the Four Types of Learning?
http://www.ehow.com/about_5208167_four-types-learning_.html
Learning Center Usage in Kindergarten
http://www.ehow.com/video_12318509_learning-center-usage-kindergarten.html
Definition of Learning Centers
http://www.ehow.com/about_6046736_definition-learning-centers.html
Materials Needed for Elementary School Science Labs
http://www.ehow.com/info_8029172_materials-elementary-school-science-labs.html
Positive Guidance Techniques in the Early Childhood Classroom
http://www.ehow.com/info_8506695_positive-techniques-early-childhood-classroom.html
How to Design an Ideal Classroom Arrangement
http://www.ehow.com/how_6928715_design-ideal-classroom-arrangement.html
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Learning Centers in Preschool Classrooms
http://www.ehow.com/info_12177123_advantages-disadvantages-learning-centers-preschool-classrooms.html
BACK TO TOP
SECTION 7
HOW TO
SET UP
CLASSROON
LEARNING
CENTERS
What are Learning Centers?
Learning centers are located in various spots in the classroom,
where children are put into small groups and given a task to
accomplish in an allotted amount of time. As each group completes
their task they move to the next center. Learning centers provide
children the opportunity to practice hands-on skills while involved
in social interaction.
Preparation
The first component of creating a learning center is to figure out
what skills you want your students to learn or practice. Once you
know what to focus on you can determine how many centers you will
need.
Then you can prepare:
• The materials needed for each center and place them into separate
folders or baskets so they are ready for the students.
• A list of rules and behavior expectations to present to the students
before the centers begin.
• A sign for each center so the students know which center to go to next.
• Clearly stated directions for each learning center. It is best to
laminate the directions so by the time the last group gets to the
center it will still be in one piece.
Setting up the Classroom
Once you have prepared the learning center activities now it is time to
set up your classroom. The way you choose to set up your classroom will
depend upon your classroom space and size. Generally all of the following
tips should work with any class size.
• Groups should consist of a minimum of three students and maximum of five
students. This gives children the opportunity to be able to complete tasks
on time, and be able to move around the classroom freely.
• Use all areas in the classroom for centers: Rugs, reading areas, outside
the classroom door. This is a good set-up if you are teaching reading
groups or doing a mini-lesson while the students are participating in centers.
• Organize centers in baskets, folders or totes and place them in the specific
learning center space. This will ensure that all of the components of the
activity are organized.
• Assign each student to a group and center, then have them rotate through
centers as scheduled. You can also assign each group or center a color so
the children know where to go to next.
• After each center is completed, allow time for the students to place the
center materials back for the next group. Have a basket where the students
put their completed center work in. This makes it easier for you to have
all of the completed work in one place.
Presentation
Take time to present the rules and directions for each learning center. It
is important that students understand the expectations of each center before
letting them go on their own. This way if you are using center time to work
with individual students you will not be interrupted.
1. Point out or physically bring the students to each center when explaining
the directions.
2. Show students where the directions will be located.
3. Show them the materials that they will be using in each center.
4. Explain in detail the purpose of the activity they will be working on.
5. Clearly explain the behavior that is expected when working in small groups.
6. For younger children, role play the behavior that is expected in the centers.
7. Post the rules and behavior expectations in a place where students can refer
to them.
8. Tell the students the phrase you will use to get their attention. Depending
upon the age group, some younger students respond to a bell or hand clapping
rather than a phrase.
How to Set Up Classroom Learning Centers
http://k6educators.about.com/od/lessonplanheadquarters/a/How-To-Set-Up-Classroom-Learning-Centers.htm
BACK TO TOP
SECTION 8
HOW TO
SET UP
CLASSROON
LEARNING
CENTERS
RELATED
TOPICS
Behavior Management and Student Discipline
http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroommanagement/
Classroom Organization for Efficiency and Productivity
http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroomorganization/
Education Glossary
http://k6educators.about.com/od/educationglossary/
Holiday Lesson Ideas
http://k6educators.about.com/od/holidaysandspecialevents/
Learning Centers
http://k6educators.about.com/od/LearningCenters/
Lesson Plans and Activities
http://k6educators.about.com/od/lessonplanheadquarters/
Parent Communication Strategies and Ideas
http://k6educators.about.com/od/parentcommunication/
Professional Growth and Development
http://k6educators.about.com/od/professionaldevelopment/
Substitute Teaching Tips
http://k6educators.about.com/od/substituteteaching/
Teaching Strategies
http://k6educators.about.com/od/helpfornewteachers/
Technology in the Classroom
http://k6educators.about.com/od/Technology/
Back to School
http://k6educators.about.com/od/helpfornewteachers/u/backtoschool.htm
Find and Write Lesson Plans
http://k6educators.about.com/od/lessonplanheadquarters/u/lessonplans.htm
Strategies for Effective Classroom Management
http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroommanagement/u/discipline.htm
Start the Year Off Organized
http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroomorganization/tp/Start-The-Year-Off-Right-With-Classroom-Organization.htm
Learn How to Manage Classroom Centers
http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroomorganization/fl/Top-Ways-to-OrganizeStore-and-Manage-Classroom-Centers.htm
Managing Learning Centers in the Classroom
http://k6educators.about.com/od/LearningCenters/fl/Managing-Learning-Centers-in-the-Classroom.htm
How to Introduce Your Class Rules
http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroommanagement/qt/Introducing-Your-Class-Rules.htm
To Create Classroom Procedures and Routines
http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroomorganization/a/Classroom-Procedures-And-Routines.htm
How to Start the School Year Off Right
http://k6educators.about.com/od/helpfornewteachers/a/How-To-Conduct-The-First-Day-Of-School.htm
BACK TO TOP
SECTION 9
HOW TO
START
YOUR OWN
EDUCATIONAL
LEARNING
CENTER
Starting an educational learning center allows you to get involved
with a business trend that is headed in the right direction. Starting
an educational learning center also gives you the chance to make a
difference in the lives of children every day. Before opening an
educational learning center, several steps must be completed.
Step 1
Create a business plan for your educational learning center. As part
of the business plan, include information about whether you plan on
buying into a franchise or starting your own independent business.
Evaluate the competition and create some financial projections for
your business as well.
Step 2
Get the funding you need for your educational learning business. For
this process, pursue funding from investors or by getting a loan from
a commercial lender. When working with a lender, the money must be
paid back at some point. If you bring on investors, your future profits
must be shared. Both investors and lenders require a copy of your
business plan before they will think about giving you the money you need.
Step 3
Find a location for your educational learning center. Find a location
that is convenient for parents to drop off their children. For example,
locate your center relatively close to a school or a residential area.
Get a building that has rooms for several classes, a computer area and
possibly a play area.
Step 4
Hire teachers or tutors for your business. Hire individuals who have
been certified by the National Tutoring Association. This helps lend
your institution some credibility with parents.
Step 5
Buy the equipment needed for your educational learning center. This
includes books, computers, desks, chairs, chalkboards, educational toys
and videos. If you get involved with a franchise, a list of necessary
materials is provided. If not, buy the materials that you need according
to your business plan.
Step 6
Promote your educational business. Offer an introductory price or promotion
so that more customers sign up initially. Consult with local schools to see
if they will allow you to pass out fliers or be mentioned in the school
bulletin. Advertising in the newspaper, on the radio and on television in
your area helps get the word out about your business also.
Tip
Purchase property and general liability insurance for your business. Setting
up a corporation or a limited liability company helps you avoid being held
personally responsible for any business occurrences.
How to Start Your Own Educational Learning Center
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-own-educational-learning-center-17829.html
BACK TO TOP
SECTION 10
THREE
LEARNING
STYLES
Everyone processes and learns new information in different ways.
There are three main cognitive learning styles: visual, auditory,
and kinesthetic. The common characteristics of each learning style
listed below can help you understand how you learn and what methods
of learning best fits you. Understanding how you learn can help
maximize time you spend studying by incorporating different techniques
to custom fit various subjects, concepts, and learning objectives. Each
preferred learning style has methods that fit the different ways an
individual may learn best.
Common Characteristics
Visual
• Uses visual objects such as graphs, charts, pictures, and seeing
information
• Can read body language well and has a good perception of aesthetics
• Able to memorize and recall various information
• Tends to remember things that are written down
• Learns better in lectures by watching them
Auditory
• Retains information through hearing and speaking
• Often prefers to be told how to do things and then summarizes the
main points out loud to help with memorization
• Notices different aspects of speaking
• Often has talents in music and may concentrate better with soft
music playing in the background
Kinesthetic
• Likes to use the hands-on approach to learn new material
• Is generally good in math and science
• Would rather demonstrate how to do something rather than
verbally explain it
• Usually prefers group work more than others
Helpful Tips
Visual
• Turn notes into pictures, charts, or maps
• Avoid distractions (windows, doorways, etc.)
• Learn the big picture first and then focus on the details
• Make mind and concept maps instead of outlines
• Color code parts of new concepts in your notes
• Use flash cards when trying to study vocabulary
Auditory
• Record lectures and then listen to them
• Repeat material out loud and in your own words
• Discuss materials in your study groups
• Read textbooks aloud
• Listen to wordless background music while studying
Kinesthetic
• Take study breaks often
• Learn new material while doing something active
(e.g., read a textbook while on a treadmill)
• Chew gum while studying
• Work while standing
• Try to take classes with instructors who encourage
demonstrations and fieldwork
Three Learning Styles
http://blc.uc.iupui.edu/academic-enrichment/study-skills/learning-styles/3-learning-styles
BACK TO TOP
SECTION 11
LEARNING
CENTERS
HOW TO
LINKS
21st Century Community Learning Centers
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/21stcclc/index.html
Authorsden
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewArticle.asp?id=10979
Classroom Freebies
http://www.classroomfreebies.com/
Early Childhood Printables
http://www.earlychildhoodprintables.com/free.html
Education Grant Samples
http://grantsamples.net/2014/03/05/education-grant-samples/
Forms & Downloads
http://kidszonelearningcenter.com/forms-downloads-2/
Free government stuff
http://www.coolfreebielinks.com/Government_Freebies/
Free Printable Worksheets for Kids
http://bestsiteforkids.blogspot.com/2007/05/free-printable-worksheets.html
Free teaching resources and products for teachers
http://tec.theeducationcenter.com/learning/freebies/go.do
Free Website Template - Learning Center
http://www.templatemonster.com/free-templates/free-website-template-learning-center.php
Free Worksheets
http://www.jumpstart.com/parents/worksheets
Free Worksheets for Kids
http://www.k5learning.com/free-worksheets-for-kids
Free Worksheets & Printables
http://www.education.com/worksheets/
Free Worksheets and Printables Coloring Pages Activities
http://printables.familyeducation.com/
Grants, awards & freebies
http://www.uft.org/news/ny-teacher/grants-awards-freebies?page=1
The Grant Center Sample Proposals
http://www.grantcenter.org/samples.htm
BACK TO TOP
How to Start Your Own Educational Learning Center
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-own-educational-learning-center-17829.html
Interest Areas/Learning Centers
http://2care2teach4kids.com/preschool/learningcenters/main.htm
IRS: 501 (c)(3)
http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=96099,00.html
Learning Centers
http://www.professorshouse.com/Family/Education/Articles/Learning-Centers/
Learning Centers
http://www.uen.org/k-2educator/learning_centers.shtml
Learning Centers
http://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/Learning-Center
Learning Centers
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-elementary-school/13906-managing-differentiated-classroom-learning-centers/
learning center
http://www.netplaces.com/new-teacher/a-variety-of-teaching-methods/learning-centers.htm
Learning centers in American elementary schools
http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Learning_centers_in_American_elementary_schools
Lesson Plan Templates
http://www.lessonplans4teachers.com/templates.php
My Teacher
http://myteacher.dvusd.com:81/aladuca/MultipleIntelligence.pdf
A New Approach to Learning Centers
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/new-approach-learning-centers
Printable Preschool and Kindergarten Worksheets
http://www.kidslearningstation.com/
Teacher Freebies
http://www.teacherfreebies.com/
Teaching Heart's Learning Centers Page
http://www.teachingheart.net/LC.htm
Teaching and Learning Center Grants
http://www.contemplativemind.org/programs/tlc
Weekly Deals & Freebies Roundup
http://www.educationworld.com/a_news/weekly_deals_freebies_roundup_math_contest_lego7870709809
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Academic Kids Free Online
Educational Encyclopedia
http://academickids.com/
Children's encyclopedias
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Children%27s_encyclopedias
Difference Between
http://www.differencebetween.info/
Education.com
http://www.education.com/
Nick Jr.
http://www.nickjr.com/
Highlights Kids.com
http://www.highlightskids.com/
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