What is a child centered classroom?

Question

Thank you for your response. Your answers is very helpful :)

Answer 1

A child centered classroom usually refers to a style of teaching where the children are really taught as individuals. You would base mini lessons, assessments and activities on what is best for each child on a case by case basis. There are lots of learning centers and areas within the physical classroom for children to learn and explore on their own...

Answer 2

A child centered classroom is one in which the teacher understands that learning that is connected to the child's interests and abilities is more powerful than a pre-determined one size fits all curriculum.  

It is impossible to teach children completely as indivduals.   That would mean planning individual activites for each child.  A worthy goal, but impractical.  

The last class I taught before retirement was highly diverse.  My children came from every continent except Antarctica and Australia.  They were of various races and religions.  Some spoke only their native language, some were bilingual and some only spoke English.   I conducted evaluations to determine their knowledge and skill levels.  Then I put them into groups where they were approximately at the same level.  I didn't want them all exactly the same because they needed role models.  If I had non-English speakers in a group, I always had a bilingual child in that group to interpret for me.  The children loved helping each other.  

Because I had them grouped I use simpler materials with some groups than with others.  They didn't know the difference because I addressed many of the same skills.

Learning centers was a great way to differentiate also.  For example, at the listening center I might have several books at different levels.  I would assign a group a particular book and a task sheet that was on its level.  All of this took much thought and planning, but it paid off, because the students liked their work and were not frustrated.

I also gave every child a job.  I had fun creating jobs, such as water fountain monitor, lunchroom helper, floor checkers, weather person, etc.  These children kept our room in order and were proud to do it.  Of course, I bragged on them for doing well.

I think a child centered classroom is one that also has rules, but rules the children understand.  I tried to give them responsibility when they broke a rule.  Suppose two students get into an argument in a learning center. I had a Problem Solving Book with blank pages.  They had to sit down at a table, discuss their problem, write it down or draw a picture of it and then write or draw a solution.  I was amazed at how well they did with this task.

As you can see, a child centered classroom is created with the child's needs, intellectual, emotional, physical and social in mind.   The atmosphere is one of caring and responsibiity.  Children learn more than facts and skills in such a classroom.  They learn about life.