M12: Learning Centers and Contracts

Learning Centers: A Common Approach:

Learning Centers: A Common Approach For students to work independently or with peer-assistance For practice, review, extension or exploring familiar content Start small – 2 or 3 centers to get kids used to process and iron out management issues, gradually increase offerings Physical places or items/jobs on a checklist - contract approach Students need to know three things about using learning centers: What to do When and how long to be there How to transition

How Best to Use?:

How Best to Use? Explicit Instruction Guided Practice Independent Practice Open-ended materials What have been your experiences and observations? Are you seeing learning centers in your field placments?

Contracts: Intentional Teaching:

Contracts: Intentional Teaching Integrated unit - Social Studies Combination of: What you must do (required) What you can do (choose) What else you can do (extension) Students need to learn how to do this starting small and building Third Grade Example Kids do “jobs” during contract time “Must do” jobs and “Choice” jobs Differ by complexity, learning style, skills (e.g. technology, writing, art) Collaborative and independent

Slide 4:

CASE STUDY: Third Grade Contract Colonial and Pioneer Times Integrated Across Curricular Areas Anchor Subject: Social Studies