Our Classroom

Writing Center

At the writing center, students have a variety or writing instruments to explore.  They can write with dry erase markers on the white board or draw with chalk on the chalkboard.  They can also use pens, markers, pencils, and crayons to write on various kinds of paper (unruled, ruled, grid, colored, theme-based stationary, notepads,envelopes, etc.).  Furthermore, students have stencils to help them make letters and numbers as well as letter stamps to make words.  On the table below the chalk board, students use letter stamps and word mats to explore writing using playdough.

Cards with students' names and kid-friendly words are available at the writing center for the students to practice copying as well.  New word cards related to the themes are also added weekly for students to copy. In addition, other fun writing activities will be added throughout the year.  For example, students will get to write with scented markers when we study the Five Senses, make letters in salt and flour trays when we study the Gingerbread Man, use feathers and ink when we study the pilgrims at Thanksgiving, and use flower pens during our Spring unit.

Dramatic Play

At the dramatic play center, students are able to act out a variety of roles.  In addition to the kitchen set, there are also props for a grocery store, props for an office, pretend pets with accessories, cleaning supplies, and baby dolls with accessories.  Dress-up clothes and puppets are also included in this center. 

Throughout the year, this center will also have props for the community helper of the month and for the current class theme.  For example, the dramatic play center will become "The Three Bears" cottage when we study forest animals, a birthday party when we study Dr. Seuss, a gift wrapping station at Christmas, etc.

Science Center

At the science center, students are able to care for our class pets (our rabbit, Drip).  They also get to explore with magnets, magnifying glasses, color paddles, color mixing tubes, and sensory bottles.  There are collections of rocks, sea shells, and feathers to observe as well.  Like the other centers, a variety of science projects and materials will be added as our themes change such as fall leaves for rubbing, gourds to compare, deer antlers, snake skins, a beaver stick, smelly bottles, turkey feet and beard, exploding dots experiment, plants in colored waters, seed sprouts, etc.

Math Center

The math center, also known as table toys, includes all things related to math and fine motor skills.  This center has puzzles of all kinds, peg boards, sensory buckets (buckets of beans with hidden objects to find and sort), board games, beads to string, lacing cards, mini blocks, measuring tools, pattern blocks, unifix cubes, monkey gears, counters (bears, fruits, vehicles, animals, etc.), and tons of materials for making patterns and sorting.  Various theme-based math games and counting objects will be added to this center as our themes change as well.

Blocks Center

In addition to a variety of wooden blocks, this center also includes legos, soft blocks, vehicles, rode signs, a road rug, people toys, animal toys, a train set, a barn, and a dollhouse.  There are large wooden blocks and Capri Sun boxes for building larger structures as well. Several tools including saws, hammers, tape measures, and safety goggles are also available.

Literacy Center

The literacy center, also known as the library, is more than just a cozy place to look at books.  This center also has a listening area to hear stories, a felt board with pieces to act out various stories each week, Animated Alphabet puppets for students to use when practicing their letter sounds, magnetic letters, echo phones/microphones to hear themselves reading, a letter chart to sort pictures by beginning sounds, "I Spy" activities, letter builders, letter tiles, and reading buddies to cuddle up with.  Tons of fun children's literature will be rotated in and out of this center as the year progresses.

Art Center

By far our messiest center, the art area has a variety of materials for our little ones to create masterpieces.  Students can paint at the easels with paintbrushes, letter sponges, texture brushes, or paint scrapers.  There is also a variety of colored contruction paper, newsprint paper, tissue paper, and collage materials such as sequins, jewels, glitter, pipe cleaners, foam shapes, popsicle sticks, pom pom balls, stickers, and confetti.  Other art tools include various hole punchers, patterned scissors, dot stampers, stencils, beads, and yarn.  Creating art from common household items such as plastic bottles, toilet paper tubes, paper bowls/cups, empty butter tubs, and magazines is also encouraged so we always appreciate when parents can send these kinds of items in for us to include at the art center.  Playdough and a variety of playdough tools (rolling pins, cookie cutters, scissors) are also available at this center.

Music Center

At the music center, students can explore a variety of instruments including tambourines, drums, rhythm sticks, bells, maracas, and egg shakers.  Students can also play CDs and use music props we introduce during music and movement time.

Sensory Table

The sensory table will house a variety of materials throughout the year that will allow students to explore scooping, pouring, and measuring.  It will include sand of various colors, water with soap to make bubbles, rice, flour, corn, acorns, etc.