I agree with both of your comments. It is important for children to be able to express themselves and relate to life experiences.
Centers are rare in the higher grade levels.
I think higher grade levels need center activities too. I'm going to allow my fourth graders to write their own word problems and let them answer another student's question. Thanks for the suggestion. It is important for children to be able to express themselves and relate to life experiences. Centers are rare in the higher grade levels.