Topic 6 Page 3

Sentry Page Protection

Unit 5 Student Login

Welcome, (First Name)!

Enter Member Area

My Profile Log Out

(Unit 5) Topic 6: Organizing Learning Centers

1 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

Typical Learning Centers in an Early Childhood Classroom

Topic 6 Page 3

Science
This center encourages students to explore how the natural world works, test scientific theories, and engage in experiments and the scientific process. Usually this center includes magnets, magnifying glasses, live plants, and occasionally small insects or fish for children to observe. Often this center is located near a window so that weather concepts can be explored as well.

Reading
This area is also known simply as the library. Here students can find a comfortable spot on a couch or oversized pillow to curl up with a book. Teachers should include many types of literature including magazines, cookbooks, books on poetry, and picture books.

Music
This area is sometimes combined with the dramatic play area. Students can create their own music using multiple types of instruments as well as listen to all different styles of music on a CD player.

Sensory
This center allows children to explore different textures and materials while stimulating their senses. At this center, a large bin is filled with a scoop-able material (colored rice, birdseed, beans, corn, etc.) as well as child-sized shovels and tools. Some child care centers have requirements on the materials in the sensory bins (i.e. water and sand). If this is the case, a little more creativity will be needed on part of the teacher to keep the center fresh and engaging.