Creating Infant Toddler Interest Centers
I'm the toddler teacher and I have just been told by my director that I have to incorporate "centers" in my classroom. I don't even know where to begin, my children like the room just the way it is. Have you ever found yourself in a situation like this? Interest centers are a common issue in infant toddler classrooms.
The environment you create for the children in your care should meet the ever changing needs of the children. Infants and toddlers will benefit from more defined spaces for a variety of play activities rather than one open area. The following are suggestions on interest centers you can incorporate into your classroom, using low shelves and cubbies to physically separate some of the areas.
Manipulative Area: Provide objects which do interesting things when manipulated by children and objects which introduce concepts of texture, size, shape, color, noise and movement. Examples: teethers, rattles, chime balls, bells, problem-solving toys, texture balls, peg board with giant pegs, large containers with lids for screwing and unscrewing and shape boxes.
Construction Area: Provide materials which can be put together in various creative ways. Examples: soft, hard and hollow blocks, large and small containers holding sets of objects such as old-fashioned clothespins, pounding boards, simple puzzles with one to three pieces, nesting and stacking toys and large beads for stringing.
Book Area: Provide many good picture books which are sturdy, made of heavy cardboard, vinyl or cloth and easily cleaned, homemade books made with photographs of familiar people, books made with textured objects, and an area for private space such as a large cardboard box cut out so the children can crawl in it.
Gross Motor Area: Provide large floor space with padded covering, large equipment for exercising large muscles, push toys, pull toys, wheeled toys, wagons and climbing materials.
Wet Area: Provide materials for sensory play such as a water/sand table or tubs and water toys, easel painting, finger painting and simple cooking (mixing, tasting) activities.
Art Area: Provide materials for artistic expression such as flat crayons, non-toxic markers, paper, collage materials (large enough to prevent choking hazards), paste and play dough.
Pretend Play Area: Provide materials which invite toddlers to act out various roles such as Mommy/Daddy, hats, dress up clothes, housekeeping materials, telephone, mirror, cradle, dolls and stuffed animals.
Music Area: Provide a variety of musical instruments, homemade shakers and noise makers.
If you'd like additional information or support on this topic or any other infant toddler issue please contact:
Special Projects Coordinator
Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral Assoc.
4200 Perimeter Center Dr. Suite 235
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
1-888-962-2772
birthtothree@oklahomachildcare.org
(PRINT THIS TEXT)
4200 Perimeter Center, Suite 235, Oklahoma City OK 73112