Most preschool classrooms have a designated art area or art center. The goal of this area is to encourage creativity and self-expression as well as encourage small muscle development and hand-eye coordination. Most art areas will teach children about shapes, colors, lines and sizes, among other things. An art center typically has a variety of supplies, including paint brushes, glue, tissue paper, beads and other embellishments, such as feathers, yarn and floss.
The science area is a center that requires frequent updates and changes so that children will continue to go to it. This center encourages students to learn more about the natural world while developing problem-solving and observation skills. This center should be a hands-on and exploratory center; teachers should encourage touching and discussing. Supplies in a science area include test tubes, safety goggles, plants, shells, pinecones, caterpillars, pumpkins and flowers.
The library area should be a spot where children can look at and read books that are of interest to them. This should be a quiet area where alone time is encouraged. A library area teaches children to enjoy and respect books, and it also introduces students to pre-reading concepts. Included in the library area should be plenty of children's books, comfy pillows and chairs to sit on, stuffed animals and possibly even a stage and puppets.
Play areas are an essential part of a preschool classroom. These centers should encourage students to imitate the adult world and also to express their feelings and emotions. Play areas help children experience different roles. Play areas can take on a specific theme; for example, one idea for a play area is to design a home center. The home center could include a child-sized refrigerator, a telephone, plastic food, pretend pots and pans, baby dolls and old clothing items for dress-up.