Essential Learning Centers for Early Childhood Development

1. Learning Centers More than just play...

2. 5 Basic Learning Centers • Art • Blocks • Dramatic Play • Library • Music

3. Art Center • Sample Materials • Drawing Paper • Construction Paper • Crayons • Pencils • Markers • Chalk • Rulers • Stencils • Glue • Scissors • Paint/Watercolors • Play Dough/Clay • Collage Materials • 3D Materials

4. Things We Learn In Art • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Cognitive/Intellectual Learning • Demonstrates an interest in using writing for a purpose • Uses know letters or approximation of letters to represent written language • Recognizes patterns and can repeat them • Shows understanding of different relationships of objects in space • Social/Emotional Development • Demonstrates ability to play independently • Demonstrates willingness to try new things • Uses planning in approaching a task or activity • Demonstrates ability to make choices

5. Things We Learn In Art • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Creative/Aesthetic Learning • Shows creativity and imagination in play with materials and props • Creates drawings and paintings that gradually become more detailed and realistic • Preplans art project and then works with care • Physical Development • Uses writing and drawing tools with control and intention • Coordinates eye and hand movements to complete tasks

6. Blocks Center • Sample Materials • Wooden Blocks • Vehicles • People • Animals • Road Signs

7. Things We Learn In Blocks • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Cognitive/Intellectual Learning • Demonstrates an interest in using writing for a purpose • Demonstrates the ability to order and sequence • Shows understanding of awareness of objects in space • Uses words to describe the characteristics of objects • Makes comparisons • Finds more than one solution to a problem • Shows awareness of the roles people play in society • Language • Uses words to communicate ideas and feelings • Uses language to problem solve

8. Things We Learn In Blocks • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Social/Emotional Development • Demonstrates ability to make choices • Uses planning in approaching a task or activity • Works cooperatively with others on completing a task • Uses compromise and discussion to resolve conflicts • Creative/Aesthetic Learning • Shows creativity and imagination in play with materials and props • Physical Development • Shows balance and coordination

9. Dramatic Play • Sample Materials • Furniture • Dress-up Clothing • Play Food • Cooking Utensils • Eating Utensils • Babydolls • Doll Accessories

10. Things We Learn in Dramatic Play • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Cognitive/Intellectual Learning • Understands that print conveys a message • Classifies objects by physical feature such as shape or color • Shows awareness of the roles people play in society • Language • Uses effective communication skills • Uses language to problem solve • Social/Emotional Development • Seeks out adults and children • Shares, respects the rights of others • Works cooperatively with others on completing a task • Become involved in solving social problems/conflicts

11. Things We Learn In Dramatic Play • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Creative/Aesthetic Learning • Shows creativity and imagination in play with materials and props • Participates in dramatic play themes that become more involved and complex • Assumes various roles in dramatic play situations • Physical Development • Uses small muscles for self-help skills

12. Library • Sample Materials • 25 Picture Books • Diversity Books • Fiction Books • Non-Fiction Books

13. Things We Learn In Library • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Cognitive/Intellectual Learning • Demonstrates phonological awareness • Shows enjoyment of books and stories and discussion of them • Tells a story in sequence, following the pictures in a book • Understands that print conveys a message • Identifies some letters and make some letter-sound matches • Language • Expands vocabulary • Recognizes and identifies by name most common objects and pictures • Engages in two-way conversation with children and adults • Uses words to describe the characteristics of objects

14. Things We Learn in Library • Social/Emotional Development • Demonstrates ability to play independently • Shows curiosity and desire to learn • Shares; respects the rights of others

15. Music • Sample Materials • Bells • Sand Blocks • Drums • Xylophone • Cd Player • Music Cds • Scarves

16. Things We Learn In Music • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Cognitive/Intellectual Learning • Recognizes patterns and can repeat them • Demonstrates the ability to order and sequence • Shows an understanding of different relationships of objects in space • Finds more than one solution to a problem • Social/Emotional Development • Demonstrates willingness to try new things • Uses planning in approaching a task or activity • Demonstrates ability to make choices • Physical Development • Freely participates in gross motor activities • Shows balance and coordination

17. Things We Learn In Music • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Creative/Aesthetic Learning • Shows creativity and imagination in play with materials and props • Participates freely in music activities • Enjoys singing games, dramatizing songs, and moving to music • Expresses through movement what is felt and heard in various musical tempos and styles • Moves in time to the beat

18. References • Arkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • http://www.arkansas.gov/childcare/programsupport/pdf/aeceframwork.pdf • ASU Childhood Services • http://www2.astate.edu/a/chs/