Learning Centers

What Are Child Learning Centers?

Learning centers separate a space within the classroom for children to use a variety of materials to practice or reinforce learned concepts and promote hands-onlearning techniques. Teachers often set tables, beanbag chairs or other child-friendly comfortable seating options and open floor space to accommodate children during times used for learning centers.There are different types of learning centers to foster reading, math, science and writing etc. All types of centers are not available simultaneously but are commonly rotated according to student needfor additional enhancement of lesson concepts.


Art Center
The children choose from a variety of materials and tools to make their artistic creations. Items available may include easels andpaint, markers, scissors, paper, glue, tape, glitter, feathers, stickers, pipe cleaners, and wood.
• experiment with color, shape, size, line & various art media
• express ideas in creative ways
• finemotor skills (i.e. cutting, drawing, painting)


Block Center
A variety of blocks are rotated through the block center throughout the year. These may include soft blocks, wood blocks, legos,cardboard bricks, and tree blocks. Other play items such as animals, tools, and vehicles are frequently added to the block center for more elaborate creations.
• explore math concepts (size, shape,weight, length)
• matching, sorting & organizational skills (during clean up)
• experiment with balance, spatial relations, length & weight


Computer Center
Each program has between 1-4 computersavailable to the children for use. The Children's School has a large software library from which the teachers choose software that is appropriate for the developmental needs of their children.Dramatic Play Center
While sometimes referred to as a housekeeping center, the dramatic play center changes frequently depending on the current theme. Sometimes the center materials are collected by...