Determine how many children can visit each activity center safely at one time. The size of the activity center area and the amount of materials or items in the area will determine how many children can use the area at once. For example, in a painting center, the number of chairs and table space will determine how many children can use the center at one time.
Draw one picture of a child onto a sheet of 8 1/2-by-11-inch paper for each child that can use the center at one time. For example, if six children can use the area at once, draw six simple children with the marker on the paper.
Laminate the paper to make it strong and durable. If you do not have a laminator, use card stock instead of regular white paper.
Attach one clothespin to the bottom of the laminated paper for each child that you drew on the paper. For example, if you drew six children, attach six clothespins along the bottom of the paper.
Hang the paper with the clothespins at the entrance to the activity center.
Instruct children to check the papers and clothespins at the entrance of each center area. The drawings will tell the children how many people can use the center at one time. As each child enters the area, the child should remove one clothespin and pin it to his shirt. When the child leaves the area, he should remove the clothespin from his shirt and return it to the laminated paper.
Teach children that if they do not find any clothespins clipped to the laminated paper, the area is full. This means that the child must wait until someone leaves and returns a clothespin to the paper. Then the child can place the clothespin on her own shirt and enter.