There are many different types of preschools available.  There are the “single method”  preschools such as Montessori and High Scope as well as the more eclectic playschool.  The one thing that most preschools have in common is a period of time in the session when the children can choose the activity in which they care to engage.  These activities are situated in different areas of the room and each have a specific focus.  The areas are:

Dramatic Play Centre – Children experiment with different roles as they explore the familiar and the unknown through pretend play. This area is filled with props and dress-up clothes to encourage imagination. Children begin the world of pretend play by first copying the various things they see their caregivers do.  Dolls, dishes and familiar kitchen items facilitate this kind of play.  Children learn to work with other children, to share and to make compromises (who gets to be the mother? The father? The baby?). They also practice language and social skills.  You can help your child with pretend play by following their lead and extending their play one step at a time.  For example, if your child gives a doll a bottle, model wiping the doll’s face after the bottle.  You can also introduce key vocabulary with spoken words and sign. 

Block Centre – Two children are working together to build "the highest tower in the whole world." A girl is constructing a bridge and a boy is loading little people into cars for a journey over the girl's bridge and down the road he has just completed. Toys such as wooden blocks of different sizes and shapes, small cars, a dolls house, or an assortment of "little people" encourage children to build replicas of their world, or creations of their imaginations as they practice symbolic representation. They are developing an understanding of the relationships between size and shape, and other basic math concepts.

Book Centre – Here, children explore the world of books and feel safe and secure as they are introduced to reading. Brightly illustrated children's books are displayed on low shelves. In front of them, children are curled up on a rug with the books they have selected. They lounge against large, comfortable cushions and can often snuggle under a provided blanket.  The books cover a range of concepts and promote language skills.

Art Centre –Art projects may be done either independently or simultaneously as a class activity. Children are developing small muscle control and hand/eye coordination, as well as creativity.  The children are learning the motor sequences of gluing and mark making as well as learning to tolerate various textures.  The art can be done simply for the experience of doing it (“process art”) as well as completing particular art projects.

Computer – Children learn how to use the computer far easier than adults.  At each centre time the computer is available with programs targeting basic concepts such as first words, colors and shapes as well as programs that specifically help children learn how to use the mouse.  This is a great medium for cause and effect, eye hand coordination, motor sequencing, and is an attractive and engaging activity.

Sensory Table – The sensory table is a place to explore different aspects of the physical world to facilitate a greater understanding, and to develop concepts underlying math and physics.  The children will be invited to play with items such as sand, water, lights, rice, etc. 

Fine Motor Centre – In this area, items such as puzzles, pegboards, beads, and other small construction toys are available. Children develop fine motor skills by using their fingers and hands in creative ways. They learn hand/eye coordination and practice problem-solving skills.

 

© Ann Wheeler, DSC 2010

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