Engaging Learning Centers for Young Children: Art, Blocks, and Library

1. Learning Centers By: Amanda Holland

2. 3 Learning Centers • Art • Blocks • Library

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

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

5. Things We Learn In ArtArkansas 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 • Shows understanding of awareness of objects in space • 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 • 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. Library • Sample Materials • 25 Picture Books • Diversity Books • Fiction Books • Non-Fiction Books

10. 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 • 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

11. Things We Learn in LibraryArkansas Early Childhood Benchmarks • Social/Emotional Development • Demonstrates ability to play independently • Shows curiosity and desire to learn • Shares; respects the rights of others

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