Ideas for Primary Art Centers

Once in a while between projects and while other classes need to catch up I will let my students do centers. Such was the case a few weeks ago with my kindergarten and first graders. Thankfully the grade levels follow each other in my schedule, so only one set up that day was necessary. The following photos will show how I set up the tables and floor for my students.

Above the red table was set up with 4 boxes of Legos. Two students to a box.

 The yellow table had crayons, paper and some how to draw sheets.

 The blue table contained bins with 2 containers of Play Doh in the same color along with tools and some transparency sheets to work on.

 Green table had blocks and cubes to build with. And the floor had puzzles and books.

 

I explained to the students what they were doing that day. Basically each table has room for 8 students and there is additional space on the floor. They may go to any center they want so long as they have somewhere to sit. AND if they choose to try all the areas, they must clean up after themselves first.

   

 

   

 

 

It was incredible fun for the students to have time to explore and have the freedom to experiment. I have done centers in the past. Click here to find out how my centers evolved.  And click here to get a free list of suggestions for you to have Art Centers for Extended Learning.

I also want to share that I had a Clip Card published in the November issue of School Arts Magazine. (It wasn't the first time I've been published-more on that another time!)

 

Silly me, I didn't even realize that it was in the issue of the magazine sitting on my dining room table, until I received a check in the mail! Guess I've just been too busy!

Please do take note that School Arts is always looking for articles from art teachers. Soooo if you've got that one, really, special lesson, why don't you give it a try! Click here for writer's guidelines. Not only does a check come in the mail, but you will get extra copies to share and show off to your administration. I call that a win-win! Also, it doesn't hurt to let your students know that people can get paid to write!

Thanks for reading! Leave me a comment, I would love to know if you've been published!