I Open Centers on Day One - But I Don't Expect Independence
About this episode
Ashley Rives discusses the importance of introducing centers on the first day of preschool without expecting immediate independence from children.
One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "When do you introduce centers?" Many teachers are surprised by my answer: I open centers on Day One. But there's an important difference. I don't expect children to be independent on Day One. In this episode, we're talking about the biggest mistakes teachers make when introducing centers, why preschoolers struggle during those first few weeks, and how you can teach center routines in a way that builds confidence instead of chaos. Topics Discussed: Why keeping centers closed can actually slow down learning Why expecting independence too soon leads to frustration The skills children need before they can successfully work in centers How to teach routines while children are actively playing Why repetition and practice create lasting independence Related Resources: Preschool Centers Guide (free) First Six Weeks Playbook + Bundle Stop Repeating Yourself All Day Training Sign Up Related Blogposts/Episodes: Why "Just Go Play" Doesn't Work: Explicitly Teaching Center Skills Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation? 5 Reasons Why Assigning Centers Can Backfire Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion Join the Lovely Preschool…
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Host: Ashley Rives
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Organizations: Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
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