What are activity areas and learning centers? Give an example of each. What are some important considerations you might keep in mind as you create an activity area or learning center for preschool-aged children?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Activity areas and learning centers are used to create a sense of order in a classroom and serve as the focal points of daily scheduling and activity planning. An example of an activity center would be a sand table where children can play in the sand and build sand sculptures. An example of a learning center, however, could be a work station where children work on solving math problems. When working with preschoolers, teachers might consider using “fluid” spaces or boundaries; spaces or boundaries that indicate that the space is used for different purposes, but without physical walls or objects separating the spaces. For example, a colorful rug might indicate a reading space, whereas next to the rug is a hardwood floor marked with a hopscotch and checker board. The rug area indicates children should sit quietly and read or listen to the teacher read a story, whereas the hardwood floor indicates an active area where children can stand up and move around as they participate in hopscotch or checkers. Other recommendations may include having activity areas or learning centers that target a wide range of skills and ability areas, such as having dramatic play areas, art, music, math, science, and language centers.