Math tools, such as a variety of small items, patterning blocks and flashcards, will enhance the educational experience for preschoolers. Children can count items placed in small plastic bags. Patterning blocks can help teach children what a pattern looks like. After showing children how to make a pattern, they can be encouraged to look for patterns in their clothing and in other places in their lives. Flashcards that show the number on one side and items on the opposite side can help them learn to count. Children also can play games with the flashcards or place the cards in sequential order.
Sequencing cards can help preschoolers learn to read. You can make your own sequence cards for your class or purchase cards from a teacher store. An example of sequence cards would be a melting snowman. One picture shows the snowman, as he should look, and the next card shows the snowman dripping slightly. The third card shows the snowman extremely melted and the last card shows the snowman gone with only the hat and carrot sitting on the ground. Magnetic letters help students learn the alphabet. Children can use the magnets to put the alphabet in order or to match upper-case letters with their corresponding lower-case letters.
In preschool it is important to have center time. Centers are areas where the children can have exploratory time or free play. One center time area can include blocks that students can use to build things. Another center can include a kitchen with various costumes, allowing students the opportunity to role play. Designate another space as your science center, where pupils can explore your weekly science theme. Set up a reading center and allow pupils to read the Big Books you have read to the class. Include letter puzzles and letter games for students to use in the reading center. Have a math center available for students, which includes pattern blocks and counting tools.
In your meeting area, which is also called carpet time, have a variety of tools to help preschoolers learn. These should include a calendar, a list of the days of the week and a list of the months of the year. Have an area where you can write a short note on an easel daily. Read the message to the children, while pointing at each word. This helps children begin to grasp one-to-one correspondence. Have a pointing tool available for children to come up and point to the calendar, days, months or the message. Display a weather section for the children. Let the children take turns being the weatherman and sharing the weather with the class. Include a pretend microphone for the weatherman to use when speaking.