The pretend center is the hub of many preschool classrooms and the place where children spend a majority of their time. Start with a kitchen set that includes a refrigerator and oven. Add a small set of pots, pans and dishes, as well as objects that represent food. Add scarves or other props, and frequently change the materials available in the pretend center to reflect your current theme. A well-planned pretend center provides many opportunities for learning as children act out stories, develop language skills and work together.
Furnish the writing center with a table and a few chairs, and a bookcase or bins for storing writing supplies. Add calendars, memo pads, stationary, large pencils and crayons, paper clips, calculators and small staplers. Display posters of the alphabet or add a textured alphabet board for children to refer to as they write. Encourage the children to write letters to one another, write stories or make charts and labels for the block and pretend centers.
Stock the math center with objects to count, such as sea shells, smooth rocks, small blocks, plastic animals or chunky beads. Add toy measuring tapes and rulers. Display posters of shapes and numbers, and add books related to math, such as "The Cheerios Counting Book" by Will Mcgrath and Barbara Mcgrath, or "Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3" by Bill Martin Jr. Make or buy counting games and add puzzles.
A basic science center might include bins of natural materials such as rocks, shells, feathers and pine cones, magnifying glasses, prisms, and books about the natural world, space, weather and the human body. Frequently change the materials to keep interest and to reflect any current themes. For example, if you are reading "Owl Babies" by Martin Waddell, display pictures of owls and other birds. Bring in one or two nests if possible. Add string, bits of aluminum foil, sticks, straw and clay so children can make their own nests.