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Building Connections Through Music-Based Learning Centers

Designing the Center

By: Suzanne L. Burton, Ph. D.
University of Delaware

Many possibilities exist for the design of the learning center environment. Much of how the center is designed will depend on classroom space, accessibility and how many activities are to be included. One way to create the space is by sectioning off an area of the classroom from the rest of the room with office partitions, large pieces of cardboard, or a portable chalkboard. Also, boundaries for the center could be structured from classroom items such as a bookshelves, tables, chairs, and desks. Be sure to take time to think through traffic patterns, the flow of activities and how best to structure the space for children's full engagement with the materials. Once the size and boundaries of the environment have been determined materials may then be added.

Figure 2
Learning Center Blueprint

When considering the placement of materials for the activities, be sure that the children can manipulate them with ease and that materials should be easy to clean up and be stored.

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