Centers in the Artroom

Like the students we teach, each classroom has its' own personality and each teacher has their own style of instruction. This is an important idea to keep in mind when designing centers. A well-designed center is a 3-dimensional lesson plan. Instead of a long list of things about what students can do in each center, a center should offer the least amount of information for a student to get inspired and started.  As I observe children, the centers' change to fit the needs of the students. What I have now is different than what I had 5 years ago and will probably be different in 5 years. The one thing that will stay the same is the general location of centers so kids will always know where to go to get the materials. 

The drawing center. The materials are located in the drawers. Paper and tools to the left.

This is the painting center at SCE.