Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi i am very new to the forum and just looking for a bit of help. My name is amanda im 19 and im doing my cert 3 in childrens services. I am stuck on ideas and what to do for the following questions. any help would be great.

1.Choose and plan a learning centre for preschoolers.

2. Plan and develop a dramatic play kit for preschoolers.

Young learners of preschool age require a specialized environment to assist them in the socialization aspects of becoming students as well as in learning curriculum. Planning preschool learning centers requires consideration of the entire classroom environment and the variety of materials needed, as opposed to, for example, simple folder games that can be used as learning centers in upper grades. While classroom size and available supplies will vary from location to location, with some creativity and planning, virtually any room can succeed as a suitable place for preschool learning centers.

Types

In researching the types of learning centers suitable for a preschool classroom, you'll find that many combine elements of developmentally appropriate play with learning. While a literacy center, with colorful seating or floor cushions, children's books and writing materials, performs as the central reading and writing area of the classroom, you should always incorporate some form of reading and writing at the other learning centers, too. One of the learning centers might include an area with objects to manipulate for small motor practice; provide building supplies such as blocks, puzzles, Legos and stringing beads. These manipulatives also help to teach math skills as preschoolers begin to count and pattern. A dramatic play learning center to practice socialization skills may contain a kitchen, home or restaurant arrangement and articles of dress-up clothing. An art center contains all types of drawing materials suitable for the age group, various types of paper, chalkboards or white boards, safety scissors and glue. Safety magnifying glasses, science books and photos, wildlife puzzles and baskets of natural materials such as rocks, shells and magnets might exist in a science learning center. If available, computers reside in a technology learning center. Do not forget to leave room for a large floor area or rug as the meeting place for the whole group.

List

After considering the possibilities for learning centers and the supplies needed for each type of center, make a list of the learning centers that you want the room to contain. Beside each of the learning centers on the list, write down the furniture, floor baskets, shelving and seating that you will need. You will need this list when working on a floor plan for the room. For preschoolers, the room layout takes much more planning than for older grades because of the large number of small learning-center areas needed for younger students.

Create another list of the same learning centers, but this time, list the objects needed for each center to run successfully. For example, a restaurant dramatic play area may need a table and chairs, a tablecloth, pretend restaurant menus, dishes, play food, fancy dress-up clothes and paper with pencils for writing down "orders." This will give you an organized list to follow in setting up the centers and making sure that you have all of the materials.
Layout

Preschool classroom guidelines suggest dividing the room into small, moveable learning-center areas using low furniture as dividers. Draw a rough sketch of the outline of your classroom, indicating where doors, windows and other permanent elements reside. Using your list as a guide, cut out small shapes representing the furniture and other objects you'll need for each learning center. Place all items on the outline of the room and begin to find an appropriate way for all to fit in the plan. For an easier method, use an online classroom-planning tool like the one found at Scholastic.com

Label

A preschool room should contain as many words as possible. Create labels to put on as many objects as possible in the room. A label should consist of the words for the object with a clip-art picture or photo of the object. Place small items in clear containers and label the outside of the containers. For each learning center, create a sign that lists the guidelines and expectations for using it. Use child-friendly wording and pictures on the signs. Preschoolers will not read all the words on your guidelines but will understand pictures. The words provide you and other teachers with instant expectation reminders as needed. Lastly, hang a large, clearly labeled sign over each learning center to designate its location in the room for you, your students and any visitors to the class.

Hope this helps you answer your questions

Thank you both for the wonderful information. I was heading in the wrong direction for the learning center but now im back on track and have ideas about what to do