To view pictures of the learning centres set to music, click here

Robert Little Public School’s Grades 1-2 class has implemented a unique learning style to help students build their language skills and the results have been terrific, the lead classroom teacher says. 

Roland McDougall instituted learning centres this year to target students’ language and comprehension skills in a fun, interactive and differentiated way. By using computers, audiocassettes, and group and poetry reading to engage students, McDougall moved away from the more traditional learning of sitting in rows of desks. The concept involves creating six distinct learning areas for students that target different parts of language including silent and oral reading, comprehension and printing. Learning centres was an idea he was introduced to during his teacher training at Charles Sturt University.

McDougall says every student has increased language retention and comprehension abilities since the start of the year. He’s confident his class will reach the target to have most students able to read and write at their appropriate level when they enter their next grade in September. Some


are already reading ahead of their grade level.

“I think it’s a wonderful way for kids to be able to practice those skills in a non-threatening, comfortable environment,” he explains, adding he receives volunteer help from a grandparent and Acton High School student. “They all feel like they have a little bit of personalized learning addressed for what they like to do.”

The students love the learning centres.

Grade 1 student Cadence enjoys reading the poetry aloud to her friends.

“You get to sound out words,” she says with a smile.

Principal Bob Tadman fully supports the initiative, saying he understands students learn differently. He’s been really impressed by the focus and the independence shown by the students as they engage in the learning centres.

“It has been wonderful to walk through the classrooms and find students working independently in their learning centres while the teacher works with a small group or a single student in a way that focuses on each student's targeted learning goals.”

"Instruction is differentiated according to what each student needs to be as successful as possible. Students love being in the classroom and look forward to the learning.  What's not to like?”