Learning Centres- The Physical Environment

How do I set up my classroom for centres?
In order to create an environment suitable to Learning Centres, consider spaces for each of the following:

  Large group meeting area
Work areas
Storage facilities that are near work areas
Areas requiring technology that need to be near electrical outlets
Furniture to accommodate small groupings of students
Separate noisier stations from quiet stations
Provide space for small group work or conferencing
Consider traffic patterns
Determine where students will store and display their work.

What if I have limited space?
Creating Centre space in a small environment takes a bit more creativity but can be just as effective. Try these ideas:

  Grouped desks can become different centre areas
Counter tops can be divided into several different centres with work areas at desks or on floor
Three sided display boards make effective portable centres - can be set up on desks, tables, in the hall or on the floor
Other potential centre areas are:

- doors and lockers
- sides of filing cabinets- become instant centre for magnetic activities in any curriculum area
- bulletin boards - divided to provide display and centre space
- mobile centres can be taken any place, even outside

~ zip lock bags

~ paper bags with handles

~ storage tubs
~ pizza boxes
~ writing centre can be housed in
old brief case or backpack
~ all possible containers for
centres which are portable
and easy to store when
not being used

Organizing Student Work


By color coding centres and hand-in baskets, students can easily remember where work goes. These baskets are placed in a central location for easy access.

Math Centre - Red basket holds centre worksheets

Handing in the finished work.


Storage Ideas
Materials can be stored in one central location and containers can be gathered by students when they begin activities, taken to designated work space and returned at conclusion of Centre time.


Best Practices: Pieces of the Puzzle

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