How to Take Turns Independently with Center Sign-Ups

Center management in a Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom can be challenging. I run free-flowing centers in my room, which has cut the management in half! But I still ran into the issue of overcrowded centers. I wanted to find a system that would build independence while my students learn how to take turns with center sign-ups. Now my students take turns during center time without additional intervention from me!

*For more hands-on, fun with centers grab our Print and Play Centers BUNDLE for Pre-K & Kindergarten!

How to Take Turns Independently with Center Sign-Ups

In Pre-K and Kindergarten, social skills are just as important for students to learn as academic skills. Of course, reading, writing, and math are crucial pieces to the early learning, but so are independence, problem solving, and taking turns.

I want my students to be educated in more than just math and literacy. By the time they leave my classroom, I want my students to be self-directed and responsible as well.

Training students to be independent at a young age is crucial and takes a ton of practice. But trust me, it’s worth it. You don’t want students to need you every moment of the day.

Building Independence and Social Emotional Skills

Building independence is one of the reasons I prefer to use free-flowing centers in my classroom. But even with this model, you run into the problem of overcrowded centers and activities.

I don’t limit the number of students in a center, but we do often discuss how sometimes an activity is more fun when it’s not super crowded. Other times, the materials limit the number of people that can successfully complete each center (there are only 4 game pieces, etc).

As always, I think the simpler the solution, the better! So I introduced center sign-ups and we began practicing the very important skill of how to take turns.

If a student wants to use the center when there are too many people, they simply write their name on the piece of paper. When the student using it is finished, they cross their name off of the list and go to get the next person on the list to play!

Of course this does not just happen by itself. We model how to take turns over and over; especially at the beginning of the year.

RELATED RESOURCE: Back to School Activities and Centers for Pre-K & Kindergarten

Supplies Needed

The best part about this centers management solution is that you don’t need a lot of supplies. Grab a clipboard (everything seems more official with a clipboard), a piece of paper, and a pencil, and you have a center sign-up sheet ready to go!

Or, you can grab this printable center sign-up sheet! Not only does it add a little cuteness to your sign-up, you can print it out on card stock and laminate it so you can use it over and over. Just have your students use a dry erase marker.

Grab Your FREE Copy

Are you ready to get your FREE printable copy of the Taking Turns Activity Sign-Up Guide and your FREE Center Sign-Up Sheet? Grab these freebies by clicking the large, yellow button at the very bottom of this post!

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The Kindergarten Connection

Alex and the TKC team work together to bring you the best resources and activities for Pre-K and Kindergarten. It is our hope that this content helps you stress less and gain confidence in your classroom. Visit Alex on Instagram @thekindergartenconnection for more content and behind the scenes.

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