Materials
This guide is to assist you in preparing your centers. The document contains a checklist of different centers as well as the best activities to place in each center. The document also has suggestions on how many of each activity should be contained in each center.
The Music/Movement Materials Checklist is a list of different items that can be used for music/movement in a classroom setting. It includes different music materials, musical instruments, and movements that can be used. The list also suggests using a variety of music tapes, CDs and records in a variety of genres for the children to listen to,
This is a list of different blocks that can be used to test gross motor skills. It lists sizes, shapes and materials the blocks can be made from. It also lists accessories that can be used for the tests.
The Art Materials Checklist is a list of art supplies that can be used in an art class. It could also be used for students to request specific supplies in the class room.
Fine Motor Materials
Small building toys
Art Materials
Manipulatives
Puzzles
Example ideas of things to count during the day: examples include counting money in the play center, comparing blocks, measuring height, etc.
The Dramatic Play Materials Checklist is a list of items for role play in the classroom. There are several different categories list for the dramatic play. They include dress-up clothes, housekeeping props, different kinds of work props, fantasy props, leisure props and examples of outdoor props.
A wide selection of books (3-4 examples of each type), rotated to maintain interest with at least 3 relating to current theme, are organized in a reading center and are accessible for a substantial portion of the day. (At least 20 books for a group of 15 children plus one extra for each additional child.) This checklist can be used to set up the reading section in a classroom.
Promoting diversity and inclusion is an important learning experience for children. These activities will show the students that being different can be a good thing.
A sand/water materials list broken down into different categories. The categories include types of sand/water containers, sand/water toys, water toys, including above, dramatic play toys, different activities for water and different activities for sand.
A nature/science materials list with different categories. The categories include collections of natural objects, living things, books, games or toys and nature/science activities.
While the use of electronics such as videos, TV and computers can be good for children, it needs to be used in the right way. This will give examples of the best way to use these devices.