Centers

Home Living: The home living center is an area for dramatic play and acting the roles of family and community. Possible materials include: child-sized furniture, baby dolls, telephone, mirror, dishes, play food, utensils, costumes, props, etc.

Reading Center/Big Books: These are two separate centers however, both encourage an interest in reading books. Possible materials include: theme related books, story and picture books, class and child-made books.

Puzzles: Game and activities in this center will encourage self-direction to develop fine motor skills. Possible materials include: puzzles, life-sized floor puzzles.

Listening: Listening skills and independence can be developed through the child’s utilizing headsets with a tape player. Also, this center is good for the child that may be having a hard time showing self-control with others. This allows them time to be alone and relax.

Math: Manipulation of concrete materials is necessary in the development of mathematical concepts. Possible materials include: shape games, cards, Cuisenaire rods, unifix cubes, pattern puzzles, counting bears and sticks, board games, etc.

Science: This center will change throughout the year and may include objects to be observed and to experiment with. Possible materials include: magnets, magnifying glasses, thermometers, books, binoculars, shells, and class pets.

Art: This center allows for creative expression in conjunction with the development of fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and independence in working. Possible materials may include: paper, scissors, markers, crayons, glue, scrap materials, glitter, paint, easel, chalk/dry erase board, etc.

Blocks: Motor control, visual discrimination, dramatic play, and creativity are developed by building structures with blocks. Possible materials include: large and small wooden blocks, solid unit blocks, large hollow blocks, plastic animals, cars, trucks, people, traffic signs, etc.

Writing: Children can make books, draw, or illustrate and prepare stories for publication in the Media Center. Also, children are encouraged to write letters to their classmates, myself, or their parents. Possible materials include: paper, pencils, markers, stamps, stapler, tape, envelopes, construction paper, class books, etc.

Computer: Children can do many interactive activities and games related to concepts in language, mathematics, science, and social studies. They also have the opportunity to do research, and do simple word processing.

Make-A-Word: This center is filled with a variety of materials that children can manipulate to make different words. It is great for children to learn high frequency words that do not have easy phonetic segmentations. Possible materials include: magnetic letters, cookie sheets, dry erase boards and markers, alphabet easel with alphabet, word wall, etc.

Workjob Table: This center is used whenever the children need to do an activity that is teacher assisted. Activities such as fact books, making passports, suitcases for travel, cooking activities, etc.

Project Work: Group projects related to our theme.