Learning Centers – Learning by Playing!
The Library: We love to cuddle up and enjoy our favorite books!
“Learning” Center”: By playing “school” we have a really fun opportunity to practice the skills we learn at Morning Meeting (counting, ABC’s, etc.) We also use puppets and the felt board.
Manipulatives: We are developing our fine motor skills as we make different creations with our toys (such as links, counters, lacers, and bristle blocks) and put together our puzzles. We also learn about colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns as we play. Our dollhouse is also in this center.
Dramatic Play (Kitchen): We are exploring our world as we play in this area. We look up to our grown-ups, and we love to act like them while playing. We nurture the babies and cook for each other. Most importantly, we learn how to play together as friends. With some themes, we even transform our kitchen (example: veterinarian's office)!
Discovery: This is our science center. We bring the outside world inside, and explore with all our senses! We use magnifying glasses, color screens, and more to make our discoveries. We also learn through our play with balances, magnets, etc. We learn about life through our plants and pets.
Creative Arts: This is where the artistic magic happens! Many different materials are available to the children to create different projects and bring their own ideas to life. Each child's artwork will look different, because each child is different! Children can truly express themselves in this center.
Writing: We are learning to write through a variety of materials, including wipe-offs, chalkboards, magna-doodles, and touch boards. We develop writing and prewriting skills by free-writing cards, books, lists, notes, letters, and more.
Blocks: We have many blocks to build with in this center, including wooden unit blocks and foam blocks. All of our trains, trucks, and cars are in here too! We also include people, animals, and road signs in this area. We learn how to play together and share, while also learning measurement, balance, symmetry, and so much more. We even learn one-to-one correspondence as we clean up our block area!
Sand and Water: The sand and water table is a great sensory and cognitive experience for preschoolers. They learn the unique feel of different textures and practice measuring, pouring, sharing, and turn-taking. We also put different toys, such as farm animals, in the table to encourage dramatic play.
Technology: The children are introduced to age-appropriate games and programs on the computer, Ipod, and Ipad that help develop key skills! They learn basic technological skills at a young age that will give them a head start in our advanced world!
Music and Movement: Children love music! We share many different types of music. Children are encouraged to express creativity through dancing, singing, and using instruments.