Learning Centers

Each classroom should have learning centers.  These centers provide children with an appropriate and stimulating learning environment. Materials used in all learning centers should include items that reflect language, culture, and diversity.

Art

  • Children will create a wide range of art work: drawing, painting, coloring, working with clay, creating collages, and structures.
  • The art area requires a table and chairs for a group of children to work comfortably.
  • Storage cabinets are needed for containers of materials and tools children will use.  
  • The area should have a bulletin board to display children’s work at their eye level for viewing.
  • The area should have easels for painting, and a place for drying work.
  • Children should have easy to clean work surfaces and chairs at a height appropriate.
  • The area should feature space for finished work or work in progress to be displayed.

Blocks

  • A large carpeted area is ideal for construction and building activities.
  • Each classroom should have several complete sets of blocks.
  • Props may include play figures, transportation toys, play animals, block-size doors, windows, and signs.  Include containers for appropriate storage.
  • Add other construction items such as sticks, rocks, tubs, and hollow blocks.

Dramatic Play

  • Each classroom needs child-size house furniture that includes table, chairs, refrigerator, stove, sink, cupboard, doll beds, ironing board, high chairs, sofa, and rocking chair.
  • Role play props include multi-cultural dolls, doll clothes, variety of dress-up clothes, play food, dish set, and cooking pots.
  • Have an unbreakable mirror and storage for dress-up clothes.
  • Puppets enhance the dramatic play area.
  • Shelving and containers keep role play props organized.

Discovery/Science Area

  • Include a variety of collections of things for children to explore, look at, and touch.
  • Make tools available, such as magnets, scales, and balances.
  • Provide fish or other classroom pets in appropriate habitats.
  • Plants, insect discovery cage, stick bugs, and a butterfly house are just a few more discovery items to include in the classroom.