What is an Open Center?

Understanding the Meaning and Benefits

What is an Open Center ?

  • Student Directed Learning
  • Learning Hubs
  • Flexible Classrooms (adjustable layout based on needs)
  • Progressive and Creative Teachers
  • Not a Fixed Style of Classroom
  • Nooks and Crannies that Allow Groups to Break into Smaller Working and Discussion Groups
  • Collaborative Teaching Models (knowing what works and doesn't work for groups of children based on observations of previous classrooms)

Advantages?

  • Children Develop Positive Attitude Towards School
  • Positive Attitude Towards Themselves
  • Higher Productive Thinking (Creativity) Scores
  • Gains a Sense of Personal Achievement
  • Increased Test Scores
  • Increased Social Behavior
  • Interpersonal Competencies
  • Child/Teacher Connection is Greater
  • Collaboration with Peers
  • Teams of Teachers Who Engage in Shared Problem Solving and Improving Each Other's Skills

What Does this Type of Learning Look Like?

Picture
  • Small Groups Working Together Building Trust and a Sense of Belonging
  • Multiple Activities Going on at the Same Time
  • Students Choose Their  "Interest Centers"
  • Teacher Directed Open Ended Questions with Ample Time for Children to Work Towards the Answers
  • Student Led Art Projects
  • Family Style, Home Cooked, Meals and Snacks
  • Teachers Engage with Each Group to Assist and Ask Higher Order Thinking Questions
  • Circle Time is Directed Based on the Students Interest and Attention

Open Classroom Teaching
The open classroom model will help your young learner:

Picture
  • Have Better Interpersonal Communication Skills
  • Better Problem Solving Skills
  • Self Directed Learning Strategies
  • Sense of Personal Responsibility
  • Independent Thinking
  • Creativity