The dramatic play center is arguably the most important center in an early childhood classroom. Modify the dramatic play center frequently to reflect your current theme. For example, if you are studying pumpkins and apples in the fall, set up an apple picking stand with cash registers, buckets of apples and pumpkins, and notepads for taking orders. Help the children write signs detailing the products and prices. Show the children how to take turns being the customer and the store owner. During a unit on ocean life, turn the dramatic play center into an ocean scape. Make a boat from an appliance box. Add oars, life jackets and fish. Ask parents to loan materials and share with other classrooms to cut expenses.
Children are motivated to read and write when they have real-life, contextual opportunities to explore literacy concepts. Arrange a writing center in one corner of the room with a desk and office supplies, such as a stapler, pencils, markers, envelopes and paper. Add writing materials to reflect current interests or themes, such as calendars, grocery lists or posters. Install a mailbox in your classroom and encourage the children to write letters to each other. Pass out mail at the end of the day or allow the children to deliver it to each child's cubby.
The block center on its own has many benefits, but with a little extra effort you can transform it into something really special. Add clipboards, paper and pencils, and books on castles or architecture. Show the children how to draw a structure first before building it. Add props to the block center that reflect current learning. For example, add farm animals during a unit about farms. Take full-body photos of the children. Cut the photos out, mount them on card stock, and laminate them for durability. Place these "paper dolls" in the block center for hours of fun.
Some teachers dislike art because of the mess, but a well-organized art center allows children to explore and create while keeping enough structure to eliminate the chaos. First, corral art materials in labeled containers and insist that children use only what they need and return materials to the proper place. Show children how to clean the paintbrushes and hang up paint smocks. Install an art rack to dry wet paintings. Make an art museum in the classroom to display art and photos of the children at work. Make color copies of paintings if the children want to take them home rather than display them.
When planning centers, ask yourself what the children are interested in, and allow some centers to unfold organically. Teachers and students alike gain satisfaction from exploring interests as they arise, rather than always following a preconceived curriculum. Take time to teach the children how to use materials appropriately and work with them to expand their play to another level. For example, show children how to assign roles in dramatic play and use language to act out stories or scenarios.