A practicum tested the effectiveness of a learning-center approach in improving the overall academic achievement of kindergarten children who were speakers learners of English as a second language (ESL). The entire kindergarten class participated in the method, but only nine students were selected on the basis of their score on the Brigance Test. Four major instructional centers were used: handwriting; teacher-directed instruction; follow-up activities; and independent activities. The program used manipulative materials and game-like instructional situations, ESL teaching techniques, cooperative learning, and critical thinking skill development. Activity modification and parent-teacher conferences permitted individualized instruction. The nine students increased their overall achievement by a minimum of 10 points as measured by the Brigance Test. The approach is seen as effective and adaptable to other grade levels and subject areas. Appended materials include forms used in the study, a classroom floor plan, chart of center usage, and a comparison of pre- and post-test scores. A 15-item bibliography is included. (MSE)