Role of the Teacher
The teacher’s role differs greatly between centers and investigation areas.
In kindergarten centers, teachers take on the role of instructors. They plan and guide activities, ensuring that students complete tasks correctly and achieve the targeted learning outcomes. The teacher may circulate among groups, providing direct instruction, feedback, and assistance as needed.
In investigation areas, the teacher acts more as a guide or facilitator. Rather than directing students through activities, teachers set up the space with carefully chosen materials that suggest possible explorations and provide subtle scaffolding.
They observe students’ interactions, ask open-ended questions to deepen thinking, and offer gentle guidance to support learning. For instance, if children are exploring patterns using loose parts in a sensory area, the teacher might say, “That is interesting. What might happen if you add these materials to your pattern?” Questions are purposefully asked to spark further investigation.
This shift in roles allows for a balance of teacher-led and child-led learning. While centers provide structured, focused practice, investigation areas allow children to take the lead, with teachers stepping in to scaffold and support as needed.
Learning Objectives
The learning objectives for kindergarten centers and investigation areas can also differ.
Centers are used when a skill-focused approach is needed. These structured spaces are ideal for practising specific skills that align with curriculum standards, such as phonics, handwriting, or counting. For example, a literacy center with phonics games can help students practise decoding, reinforcing their reading skills.