Your Kindergarten students CAN work independently. There, I said it. Each group of students that I've taught have been very different, however, I have always been able to get all my students to work independently with some work. As the teacher, you need to teach your Kindergarteners HOW to work independently during centers. It's not always easy, but it is completely doable. Here are my top tips to help teach your Kindergarteners how to work independently during centers.
Tip #1- Do the activity as a whole group activity at least 2-3 times before trying independently
Most kids are kinesthetic learners, meaning that Kindergarteners need to DO the activity before they can do it independently. The easiest way to do this is to include it as a whole group or small group activity before giving it to them during centers. While teaching the lesson using the activity, I make sure to explain how to do the activity and give all students a chance to try it out.
For example, if we are doing a picture sort, I have one student come up at a time to sort the picture. I also have them talk through what they are doing, so they may say “This is a picture of a dog. (as they show students a picture of a dog). I hear the /o/ sound in the middle of dog so I am going to put it under the o.” Once students can explain what they are doing during the activity, then I know they are ready to do it independently.
Tip #2- Model the expectations for center time
Just like I explained above, students need to understand exactly what to do for each center. If they need to take turns, we practice taking turns by acting out what to do and also what not to do. This shows the students exactly how they are supposed to act while at their centers. Also, it's important to model how to set up the center, use materials, and clean up.
Tip #3 Give clear directions
When you are telling students what to do at each center, just know that they have a very limited attention span and may forget what they are supposed to do when it comes time to do that center. I like to have my students repeat the directions back to me, either as a group or I will randomly call on a student.
Another way you can give clear directions is by using visuals. At certain centers that involve multiple steps, I like to have these picture directions cards when students inevitably forget what to do next. Find them here.
Check out this YouTube KinderChat video here to see how I would give students directions.
Tip #4- Teach them how to problem solve
Just like you modeled how to do each center, you need to model how they can problem solve if an issue comes up. They could run out of the worksheet, not know what a picture is, or forget where they are supposed to put the paper when they are finished. To solve this, I use the “Ask 3, then me” saying.
They need to ask 3 others their question before they ask me. For example, if they forget where to find a certain supply, they can ask up to 3 others, and 99% of the time one of those three can help them. If 3 other students do not know the answer, then I do need to step in and help.
Tip #5- Make sure they know what to do if they finish early or do not finish on time
If I had a penny for every time I was asked “Teacher, what do I do now?”, I'd be sitting on a beach right now. You need to tell them what to do once they are finished. You can either have a “may do” activity that they complete once they are done or an early finisher bin they can choose to do an activity from. Just make sure they know exactly what to do.
On the other hand, they need to know what to do if they do not finish their center activity. Do you have an unfinished work bin they put it in to finish later? Or do they need to complete it before they move onto their next center? Figure out your procedure for this and let your students know that it may change depending on the type of center activity. Find these labels for free in my TPT store here.
I hope these tips are helpful in teaching your students how to work independently during centers. It can be done with lots of practice and modeling! You can read more about management during centers in this post here.
Jenn says
Thank you so much I’m struggling with this right now and this was really helpful! Charleston, SC
Kristina says
I’m so glad it was helpful! Thanks for reading!