Center Time in Preschool is truly a magical time for children and adults alike. During this time, children self-select play in the following areas: Writing/Literacy, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Games, Math, Art, Science/Discovery, and Sensory Play. Literacy learning happens with intentional design of the classroom environment; children have access to books, writing materials, environmental print, and activities supporting early reading skills such as retelling a familiar story through drama or puppets, letter matching activities, and card making. As students engage in choosing their play based on interests and preferences, teachers have the opportunity to observe, ask questions, target instruction in real-time, and support planning and task initiation, all while supporting social emotional learning such as friendship skills and problem solving.
One of the greatest pleasures of teaching children of this age is watching the creativity, focus, emotional regulation, problem solving, social interaction, and fine motor skills developing within a truly student centered environment. When given choice in what they learn and how they learn, children thrive.