The primary contribution of this paper is the finding that lack of activities and interesting learning areas prepared by the teacher in the classroom may negatively impact children's social behavior. Classroom design and the teacher's careful selection of materials to be displayed in each of the learning areas do engage young children in learning…

Suggests that live plants can brighten up the classroom and can serve as the focus of interdisciplinary learning activities for elementary students. Briefly describes the organization of a "living laboratory" in an elementary school. (SJL)

Ideas for learning centers that will motivate students include: (1) a "railroad station" for reading groups; (2) a model rocket where children can use calculators; (3) a walled-in castle study center; (4) a model one-room schoolhouse; (5) a map center; and (6) a music center. Procedures for building and stocking the centers are…

Presents floor plans and activity schedules for primary grade, middle grade, and secondary school classrooms as a guide for teachers who wish to maximize access to classroom microcomputers through the use of small interactive learning centers. (MBR)

This module focuses on the use of play as a natural and effective means for expanding the learning opportunities for young children in special preschool settings. It includes discussions of the different roles teachers assume as they incorporate play into their curriculum. The guide highlights instructional approaches which promote child learning,…

Explores the rationale for learning centers, outlines steps in using this approach, and describes pupil-evaluation techniques. Illustrates concretely how a teacher can phase in the use of learning centers. (BF/JH)

Intended for teachers and administrators of early childhood programs, this publication is designed as a guide for developing learning environments for children in prekindergarten through the second grade. The approach advocated is based on research and on teacher experience with the way the young child learns. Contents of the guide include…

This handbook provides information on establishing and running learning centers in an elementary school classroom. A learning center is a station containing instruction and materials for one particular project. Every center should include multimedia and manipulative materials that support the topic or skill that is being focused upon. Students use…

Uses careful observations in Reggio Emilia preschools, and three of Thelma Harm's environmental checklists and questions, to identify and analyze the strengths in Reggio Emilia's centers that can be used to assess classroom settings in the United States. Focuses on concepts and practices American teachers can use to improve the teaching-learning…

This report in the National Education Association's "Developments in Classroom Instruction" series presents seven detailed descriptions of models for elementary-level classroom learning centers. It presents lists of materials, suggestions for the placement of equipment, study plans, and evaluation guides for learning centers in a variety of…

Based on the view that the early childhood care and education environment can have a tremendous influence on infant and toddler development, this book will assist early childhood teachers/caregivers in meeting the challenge of creating an effective learning environment for infants and toddlers. The book includes ideas for planning, using, and…

This guide provides a framework for creating and using learning centers to meet specific classroom goals, and presents ideas for topics and activities. The first part of the guide: (1) explains what learning centers are and how they are used within classrooms; (2) provides design options for the classroom; (3) suggests ways in which to schedule…

This book for primary grade teachers provides over 500 ideas and suggestions for designing the environment and developing learning activities in a child-centered classroom. Part 1 of the book focuses on the larger school environment, with suggestions for making the whole school inviting for parents and children. Part 2 provides ideas for making…

Preschool children need direct involvement with science content hands-on experiences that involve them in gathering, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating. This paper describes how to create a science area in a preschool classroom. The paper delineates the equipment needed to maintain a mentally stimulating environment for young children. It also…

This guide to designing activity-oriented classrooms for grades K-3 is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 provides an overview of research findings concerning the way children learn and the environments that best facilitate their learning. Chapter 2, which explains ways to set up an activity-oriented classroom, covers the administration's role…