Using Centers in Homeschool

One of the biggest issues we have in our homeschool is meeting the needs of each child during the day. We do many subjects together, like morning time, writing, and our unit studies. However, with three kids who are all two years apart, each child needs very different instruction in reading and math.

While planning for this school year, my mind went back to my third grade classroom. What did I do when I needed to spend time meeting with students individually or in small groups? Sometimes we used independent work assignments, but often we used center rotations. During centers, the teacher’s table was one of the stations that students rotated through.

I immediately knew I could make this work for my children. Our kids were 6, 4, and 2 when we began using centers in homeschool, and with lots of practice, repetition, and reminders, we quickly learned the routine. This allowed me to spend time with each child independently to work on math and reading at their levels.

At the beginning of center time, we review expectations and the rules of the game that I have put out for them to play independently. The game is the same for one week. Then, I set each child up at their first center and set a timer for how long the child at my center should need to complete their lesson.

During math center time, we have three “centers” or “blocks” that the kids rotate through. The first center is one-on-one with mom working through their curriculum. The second center is a math game they play independently. We practice these games frequently so that the kids are proficient at doing them alone.

One game is rolling dice and counting objects (4) or adding objects (6) based on what the dice show. Another is drawing a number flashcard (4) or cards (6) and counting/adding the correct number of objects based on what is shown on the card(s). In another game, they draw a number from 0-100 and place a colored tile over that number on the hundreds chart. The shape sorting game shown above is one of their favorites and is also available in my TpT Shop.

The third center is tablet games. Originally, my goal was that they’d play math games on the tablet, but that quickly became a battle. They’d often click off of the “allowed” games and pick others that looked fun. I try to choose my battles, and this isn’t one I was willing to fight. Now, they look forward to math time because they know they’re going to use the tablets for a few minutes. It also helps them work quietly while I’m teaching their sibling. You can read more about my feelings on technology in two posts from earlier this month, Keeping Toddlers Busy During Homeschool and 10 of the Best Homeschool TV Shows.

We do a similar activity rotation during our reading time. At the first center, they work with me on their individual reading curriculums. At the second center, they do an independent letter or phonics activity. Instead of tablets, at the third center, they work on a page in their Handwriting Without Tears books.

If you’d like to check out some of our reading center games, I have some of our CVC games available in my TPT store. With just one set of cards, we’re able to play five different reading games.

Have you had success using centers in homeschool? I’d love to hear how it works for you!