Set up a listening center in a quiet nook in your room where traffic and distractions are minimal. Arrange comfortable seating within easy reach of the audio player to allow children to operate the center with minimal assistance.
Select audio tapes of books that complement or extend your classroom theme or provide a recording of a favorite classroom book. Audio tapes can be purchased for listening centers, but you can also record your own to add variety to your listening center.
Incorporate the listening center into the daily schedule so that all children have the opportunity to use the center as often as possible. Adding several players to the center allows more than one child to listen through headphones at the same time.
Direct children to the listening center for quiet time activities after physical activity or for an afternoon rest period. This focuses young minds and relaxes the body.
Use the listening center as a reward. Many preschool children enjoy listening to stories and exploring books on their own and welcome the opportunity to visit the center when they have adequately completed classroom tasks. Use caution not to exclude those with "poor" behavior. Set expectations for each child and reward him or her accordingly.
Allow children to use the listening center during free choice time or incorporate it into one of your centers for center time.