LEARNING CENTERS IN
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
MATH CLASSROOM
Kelly Meshell and Pam Johnson
Austin ISD Mathematics Specialists
Associate Superintendent’s Office of Middle Schools
OVERVIEW
Anchors
OF
SESSION
of Support Box
Cranium Vocabulary Game
Differentiation of Centers
Playing of Centers
PB Wiki for Materials
ANCHORS
 Provided
OF
SUPPORT
so that students have tools
to problem solve about math –
alleviates students waiting on teacher
for help
 Students are able to choose their own
supports
 Used so that multiple supplies can be
stored for multiple activities in a
central location
ANCHORS
OF
SUPPORT
For the next activity we are going to use the
following items from the Anchors of support box:
2
Cans of Play-Doh
 Green paper
 Cranium playing Cards
(the yellow and white
cards)
CRANIUM SET-UP
Shuffle the Cranium cards and place them face down
into two different piles.
Place the green paper and Play-Doh in the middle of
the table
You will also need something to write with
Divide your table into two teams
CRANIUM VOCABULARY

On each turn:
 Turn over an “Action Card” (the white cards) for all to see and
the person performing the “Action” should draw a vocabulary
card (the yellow cards). DO NOT let anybody see the vocabulary
card.
 A member of the opposite team should time the person
performing the action – each action is allotted for 30 seconds
 The team has 30 seconds to guess the vocabulary word the
performer is sketching, acting out, giving clues for, or sculpting
 If the team guesses the correct word the team earns the
vocabulary card
 If the team is unable to guess the correct vocabulary word the
other team has a chance to steal – the team confers and one
answer is provided – if the answer given is correct the team
stills the vocabulary card

The first team to earn 5 vocabulary cards wins the game!
CRANIUM VOCABULARY

Sculptorades – Use the Play-Doh to sculpt the vocabulary
word – NO TALKING OR GESTURES ALLOWED!

Password – One word clues are given to describe the
vocabulary word – a team member must guess a vocabulary
word before the giver can give another clue

Sensosketch – The drawer must close their eyes and draw
the vocabulary word without looking – NO WORDS or
SYMBOLS and NO PEEKING!

Charades – The performer acts out the vocabulary word – NO
TALKING ALLOWED!
DIFFERENTIATION OF
CENTERS
 Can
be scaffold to meet the needs of
students
 Used to extend students problem
solving skills
 Used as skill builders and practice
THE CENTER BAG
9
different games
 The games should be played with 2-3
people per game
 For extra materials that are required
use the Anchor of Support Box
 As you play discuss with your table
mates how each game can be
differentiated to support the diverse
needs of learners
LET’S
PLAY
PB WIKI FOR CENTER MATERIALS
All materials from today are available through the
PB wiki site.
 To access PB Wiki:


Go to: http://mscenters.pbworks.com
Materials will be available until September 1
 Email either Kelly or Pam if you have questions:

Kelly: kmeshell@austinisd.org
 Pam: pjohnso2@austinisd.org
