Types of Activity Centers |
Dedicated Space |
Play Focus |
Dramatic play |
Pretend play with props (themed materials) that allows children to take on roles and develop play scenarios about familiar themes |
Construction |
Building with blocks and other materials that can be put together and taken apart; woodworking |
Language and literacy |
Reading, listening to tapes and stories, learning about letters and sounds, emergent writing |
Art |
Using a variety of materials to explore line, color, shape, texture, and dimension; exposure to works of art that are pleasing and interesting to children |
Music |
Exposure to many genres of music and opportunities to sing and make music with different kinds of instruments |
Science |
Opportunities to explore physical and natural properties of organisms and the environment |
Math |
Materials, games, and activities that help children develop concepts about number, quantity, measurement, and time |
Sensory |
Materials and activities that engage the senses, such as sand, water, and modeling dough |
Fine motor |
Experiences with objects that develop manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination |
Gross motor |
Room, equipment, and materials that encourage the development of large muscles |