PK Classroom Environments
Powerful and Purposeful!
Why Set Up Your Classroom with Centers?
Centers
- promote more verbal interactions
- provide opportunities for increased cooperative play
- increase the child's ability to focus on specific tasks and there are fewer distractions
- help children make choices more easily
- allow children to work independently allowing the teacher to work with small groups of children
- is an AISD expectation
Making Room for Play: The Preschool Room Plan
AISD PK3 Classrooms Will Include the Following Centers
- Library/Reading Center
- Blocks/Construction Center
- Science/Discovery (Sensory Table)
- Art
- Dramatic Play/Pretend and Learn
- Peace Corner/Safe Place
- Puzzles & Games
Center Arrangement
Each center should have a well-defined space that is organized with materials that are easily accessed by the children.
Center Materials
- Include theme related items
- Open ended items for children to use independently
- Rotate materials when children lose interest.
Tables and Chairs
Integrate tables and chairs into centers as appropriate. Not every center needs a table. Remember:
Children will rarely sit at tables at the same time. The exceptions would be those classrooms that serve breakfast and lunch in their rooms.
Arranging a Center
Every classroom is different in size and arrangement. When setting up your centers consider location of doors, walkways, windows, and sink.
Circle Time/Large Group Meeting Area
The circle time/large group meeting area is where the class comes together for different activities, such as: singing, read alouds, movement, and dlearning new skills. This a perfect area for the block center.
Defining Centers
- Arrange centers with 2-3 sides (use furniture, shelves, walls, tables, etc. to form centers). Integrate tables and chairs into centers as appropriate. Not all centers will need tables.
- Make sure there is low wall space for charts, posters, etc. All of these should be at the child's level.
Visibility and Safety
Furniture should be arranged so children are always visible and shelves are stable.
Movement Throughout the Room
There should be good traffic flow throughout the classroom. Large open areas invite the wrong type of play and work.
Organization
- Use center signs that identify the center. These should be at the child's eye level.
- Include theme related materials in every center.
Inviting and Comforting
The centers should be inviting and comforting. Soft items, fabric, color, natural materials will make the classroom feel welcoming.
Literacy Connections Everywhere
All centers should have: Books/literacy connection, writing materials, labels on shelves
These materials should be meaningful and provide authentic purposes for use.
Labels
Label materials and shelves with words and pictures. This will guide children in replacing items after play.
When education goes wrong: Dr. Nancy Carlsson Paige at TEDxTheCalhounSchool