Examples of Centers in a Preschool Classroom

• By Melissa Kagerer

Edu 553

Eastern Connecticut State University

Art Center

• Sheets incorporating cutting, pasting, and coloring

• Use art activities that go along with an upcoming holiday, or theme (Snowmen, snowflakes, hearts, etc.

Math/Science Center

• Sequencing Activities

• Memory Games

• Connect the Dot sheets

• Counting Games

• Cooking

Literature Center

• Make a book with the students, with each page being “written” by a different student. Start each page off with the same sentence, and then have each student finish it with their individual response. (My favorite thing to do in the snow is…..) Then put the book together as a class book

Writing Center

• Place stamps and stamp pads at a table along with pieces of paper stapled together acting as a book. Have students practice writing their name and numbers.

• Have students write/draw on the blackboard

• Have students complete an alphabet puzzle

Listening Center

• Create a tape of the book you are currently reading to the class. Set up comfortable seating around a tape player with earphones and a couple of copies of the book. Have students listen to and follow along to the story.

Dramatic Play Center

• Have props in this play area that are associated with the story you are currently reading. Have children act out the story using the props/costumes that are available.

Rice/Sand Table Center

• Have a table with bins filled with either rice or sand with different toys/containers for the children to play with. This center helps develop the children’s fine motor skills.

Play dough Table Center

• Make play dough with the students from scratch. Allow the children to play with the play dough, using different play dough toys available to them. Give them ideas of what to make with the play dough – such as snowmen, spaghetti, snakes, etc.

Gym Center

• Use this center to incorporate active activities such as sit&spin toy, trampoline, and balance beam.

Puzzle Center

• Put out puzzles for the children to complete either at a table or on the floor with big floor puzzles.