Speech/Learning Center Activity Part I

The following project is geared toward upper elementary or middle school English or speech class, but may be altered for another level. The purpose of the lesson is to provide a fun way for students to learn to write instructions and create a learning center activity.

Introduction to Learning Center project:

In the learning center project, students will create a hands-on learning center activity with written instructions. Later, they may give a how-to speech on this project (See Speech/Learning Center Activity Part II). The entire project includes two main activities, and will take several days of in class and out of class work.

Activity: Creating the Learning Center Activity

Students will create a learning center activity/game that is creative, visually pleasing, and interactive. Some ideas for learning center activities are file folder games, interactive bulletin boards or posters, or board games. The content they use for their learning center activity must come from a current lesson in one of their subject areas.

Generally, these learning center activities are created outside the classroom. However, this could be an in class activity if all materials needed to make the games are provided. Materials generally needed to make these learning center activities are poster board, file folders, word processor, laminating sheets, clip art, sticky back Velcro tabs, scissors, various game pieces, etc.

Rules for the learning center activity:

• All words must be typed (no writing)
• Must include at least 15 questions
• Must be interactive
• Must include detailed, easy to follow direction on how to play
• Must be made of durable material (laminating is strongly suggested)
• Content must be age appropriate and come from the current year material
• Must be visually pleasing and creative
• Must be original
• Must include an answer sheet

The student should be able to demonstrate to the teacher how to play the game (or do the activity). Also, the teacher should be able to follow the instructions written by the student on how to do the learning center activity. The teacher should approve of the learning center activity before the student is ready to give the speech.

This learning center activity could be used as a stand alone project, or may be used in conjunction with the how-to speech (see How-to Project Part Two). By itself, this activity will teach students how to write clear instructions, and how to create a class project. After the project is complete, these learning center activities will provide great study tools in the classroom.

Ideas for learning center activities:

• File folder games
• Poster games
• Board games