Center Station Organization 101

At first, I wasn't concerned about which kids paired up for centers. Then I realized that developementally and behaviorally, it mattered most. I brainstormed how to make sense of when to move activities and keep track of partners, but nothing worked. Finally I caved in and asked the pre-k teacher (we'll call her Mrs. Amazing). She really is amazing, and she color codes her centers! I am a HUGE fan of color coding, but for some reason I could not grasp the full concept of her chart. Therefore, with some minor adjustments, I came up with a version using numbers! 

And this is my result! I used one of our extra bulletin boards and lined it with some stylish construction paper and border. I hole punched non stick post in notes and wrote a number 1-5 on each. (Two sets of each number.) On the left, two columns hold the numbers staggered so the students end up with two separate centers. The three columns on the left hold post its with the student names. When the time for centers arrives, I call the pair over, hand them a basket, and designate a space for them to play. 

On the other side of the room above our cubbies are baskets labeled 1-6 that correlate with the post its. Two children per center for 15-20 minutes usually does the trick and they are pretty good about staying there the whole time. At the end of the first round we choose between dancing, reading a book, or yoga stretching before we move on to our next round.