Rather than creating a separate book center and writing center, combine them into a literacy center. Children will be able to explore books, then use the inspiration to practice their own writing skills. Set up two bookshelves. Fill one with books and one with plain paper, letter tracing sheets and writing utensils. Set up a small writing table or stack up wooden boards on the shelves so children can write on a hard surface. Before allowing any children to play, stress to them that writing in the books is forbidden.
Building projects teach preschoolers about planning, building supplies and balance, and most young children will also enjoy using their imaginations to create towers and towns. Wooden blocks are a basic material to include in any building center, but adding other elements allows children to be even more creative. Add foam blocks to the center, or make your own by covering empty cardboard food boxes with paper. Once you've gathered all the building materials, finish up the center by putting out some books about building. You may also include toy cars and people so children can populate their creations.
Creating artwork helps children learn about colors and build their fine motor skills, and with each picture they finish, children build a little more self-confidence. Stock shelves with many colors of paper, crayons, markers, chalk, glue, feathers and beads. An art center can be slightly dangerous since children can go from zero to messy in a few seconds, so set it up in an area where teachers can keep an eye on children.
Preschoolers may not be ready to learn about astrophysics, but it's never too early to teach children about simple scientific concepts. To create a science center, gather up tools that children can use for experiments and exploration. Fill plastic bins with binoculars, magnifying glasses, magnets and scales, then add another bin of objects that children can measure and explore such as small balls and pieces of wood. You'll need to explain to children how to use equipment correctly before letting them play.