ABOUT THIS BOOK

This book offers

Step-by-step directions for both the educator and learner and all necessary handouts, including directions and worksheets. The reader can use the book to quickly and easily set up centers. Some centers require only photocopies and basic materials to get started.

Guidance on how to create cross-curricular centers that target the AASL Standards and other content-area standards. A table is provided to enable educators to create centers that address specific standards or content areas. Centers for distance learning are also identified.

Suggested modifications for both struggling and advanced learners, plus ideas for collaborating with other educators. These features broaden the potential audience beyond elementary school learners.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Maura Madigan is a school librarian in Fairfax County, Virginia, and the author of the books Learning Centers for School Libraries and Project-Based Learning for Elementary Grades. She’s worked in education for more than 25 years in the United States, South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.

REVIEWS

"Madigan's advice is unfailingly practical, and her enthusiasm shines through on every page. This should spark all sorts of ideas to help make school libraries welcoming, creative spaces."
— Booklist

"Whether school librarians are overextended and rushing through classes or have more breathing room, they will appreciate this excellent guide to setting up learning centers, stations in the classroom or library where students can engage in self-directed activities ... An incredibly thorough and clear guide to implementing or extending learning centers in school libraries."
— School Library Journal (starred review)

"The author’s discussions about each center are particularly helpful, with advice on what worked and what she would change doing it again. This gives readers the experience of 'seeing' the centers in practice before trying the centers themselves. Other center suggestion ideas are also included ... A recommended addition for school libraries."
— VAASL Voice

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments
Preface: Creating Capable and Critical Minds
Introduction: How to Use This Book

Part I
Chapter 1: Learning Centers
Chapter 2: Logistics

Part II
Chapter 3: Maker Centers

Maker Challenge
Innovation Station
Simple Machines
Matchbox Car Engineering
Construction
Fairy-Tale Challenge

Chapter 4: Technology Centers

Mini Green Screen
Video Book Review
Book Trailer
LEGO Story

Chapter 5: Literacy Centers

Mini-anagram
Blackout Poetry
Word Drawing
Photo-Book
Book Spine Poetry
Grammar Hunt

Chapter 6: Library and Research Skills Centers

Endangered Books
Book Cart
Database Exploration
Resource Investigation
Geography

Chapter 7: Interdisciplinary Centers

Abstract Collage
Mystery Box
Breakout Box
Book Sort Geometry

Conclusion: Some Final Advice

Appendix A: Other Center Suggestions
Appendix B: Learning Center Labels
Index