Set up a comfortable and serene listening area. This area, which is combined with a class library, usually provides books on tape, audio learning discs, and a bookshelf full of age-appropriate books. Provide this area with comfortable beanbag chairs and large floor pillows, enticing the students to relax and read and/or listen to books. There is no talking or noise in this area, so using headphones for listening activities is a must. Also, be aware of this area's location in the classroom, and do not place it near a center that is active or loud, such as pretend play.
Put traditional tables and chairs in the math manipulative center. This area provides a is where students complete the day's math activity. Supply shelving at the appropriate height for little ones, and fill the shelves with manipulatives such as counting beans, matching games, pattern worksheets and magnetic numbers on cookie sheets. Each day, put out one activity that must be completed during math center time. Students may use the other math tools when the required work is complete.
Stock a pretend-play center with such items as a play kitchen and dress-up materials. Choose a space for this active area that will not disturb students using the calmer centers. Provide the kitchen with play dishes and food and a "dinner table." Add a box full of dressup clothes and a mirror to the area. Do not provide directions or goals in this center; the objective is to enhance cognitive skills through imaginative play.
Think about reachable storage in setting up the small motor skills area. This center is full of activities with a lot of pieces. A good location for this space is a back corner of the room to try to confine dropped pieces and to keep them out of walkways. Provide kid-height shelving with easy access to boldly labeled boxes of small motor activities. Ideas for this center include molding dough, beads and strings, scissors and paper, puzzles and toys that have zippers, buttons, and ties.
Complete the room with a gathering rug and student work tables and chairs. A big rug provides a central place to gather students for reading time, singing time, or class discussions. It is also a place to corral students at the end of the day as parents are arriving. For traditional learning activities like crafts, coloring or literacy objectives, such as the letter of the day, provide enough work tables to accommodate all students. Top the tables with caddies of crayons, scissors, glue and pencils. For small spaces, the math and small motor skill tables can double as work tables.