Transforming Your Classroom Centers: From Drab to Fab

If you are employed in a state that uses a registry to track professional development hours, you will be able to provide your registry ID (Stars, MOPID, Registry or other ECE ID#) after you have completed the quiz for the course. If you pass the quiz we will report your course completion to the state registry using the registry ID that you provide.

This course is designed to help you transform your classroom learning centers into engaging, and developmentally appropriate spaces for children of all ages. We will explore how to move beyond the basics and create interest-driven centers that foster creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Course length – 3.5 hours.

The course will help answer the following questions:

• How can I make the math and manipulatives center more engaging?

• How can I make the dramatic play center more engaging?

• How can I make the science and sensory center more engaging?

• How can I make the blocks and construction center more engaging?

• How can I make the art center more engaging?

Participants who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Identify at least three developmental benefits of well-designed learning centers.

• Differentiate between teacher-directed instruction and child-led, play-based learning.

• Define the educator’s primary role as a “facilitator” in a center-based environment.

• Articulate the “why” behind purposeful, play-based learning in classroom centers.

• Design and set up intentional learning environments that are both engaging and developmentally appropriate.