Learning Centres within the classroom are ideal, catering for individual ability levels. Appropriate activities allow for a wide range of responses and interests, simultaneously exposing children to new information and reinforcing or extending a learned skill. They must be well planned and resourced and involve children in the setting up, recording and evaluating the use of the centre. Establish classroom routines and guidelines, including cooperatively established and presented rules, setting of realistic individual learning goals, group work routines and responsibilities, conferencing, editing and recording procedures. Theme Boxes containing many hands on activities are often availabe from Teacher Resource Centres or possibly from larger schools within your region.
Local libraries are also a good source of information.
Provide the time and opportunity for children to use the learning centres and give a few clear and concise directions. Self esteem will be improved when you tell children they have done well. Top Timing is essential in any classroom situation. Within individual lessons it is important to allow time for introduction, presenting information, learning activities, recapping and questioning. A variety of activities and extension tasks will need to be provided to allow for different ability levels and early finishers.