A Look at Centers......
People often observe my classroom and say "they are just playing", but something very magical is happening. My centers are very strategically set up. Blocks: Blocks are a staple in any classroom. Children learn to build, solve problems, interact with others, pattern, sequence, and more just with blocks. Tangagrams are cut out shapes that a child can build "pictures" with. They must problem solve and choose shapes to make other shapes. They are like a puzzle without the board. I love these because they are a basic for math.
Magnetic Board/Wipeoff Board: This board is used for writing practice with large markers for little hands, which help build fine motor skills. The magnets used are for patterning and counting.
Letter matching: Children match soft letters to the alphabet rug or use bean bags to match colors.
Table work: Our exploring table rotates with fun activities like puzzles, patterning with erasers, chain links, forming letters with sticks, play insects, magnets, kaleidescopes, games, weighing scales and more. Writing and Art: Each day the children rush in to see what is new in the classroom! We usually do our "work" like letter writing, copying words from a board, cutting, and more. Art projects and painting with different items allow the children to express themselves through art. Some projects teach skills as in letters, but the art expands their thinking to new areas.
Pretend Play: The puppets, baby dolls and dress-up clothes help children in cooperative play and expands their imagination and communicative skills.
So, as you can see.....Children learn through hands-on PLAYING! The skills they need to learn for entering Kindergarten are still taught throughout our time together in circle time and daily routine.
I am so blessed to be able to help prepare your child for their formal learning years.
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