Bridging “Play” and “Standards” through Centers
Bridging “Play” and “Standards” through Centers
Add these materials to learning centers in your classroom to encourage children to read and write in meaningful ways:
Math – paper, pencil, adding machine tape
coupons, calculator, play money
graphs, posters
counting books, shape books
Science – charts, research books, identification books
science magazines, labeled collections
clipboard, pens, notebook
Dramatic Play – shopping list, chalk board
memo pad, pens, pencils
magazines, books
puppets, stuffed animals, babies to “read” to
junk mail, menus, catalogs
class phone book
Blocks – paper and markers to make labels and signs
blue prints, sticky notes
photos of different homes and buildings
block book, alphabet blocks
Art – Rebus direction charts, labels for materials
variety of art media, markers, paint
Computer – reading games, printer
kinder keyboard, fly swatter
file folder PC
Table Toys – play dough, letter cookie cutters
play dough book, sewing cards
letter beads to string
paper, hole punch, scissors
letter stencils, colored pencils
Sand and Water – magnetic letters (hide in sand)
ping pong balls (write letters and
words on them and children
scoop with fishnet)
Playground – letter hopscotch
beach balls with letters
chalk board for keeping score
giant chalk to write with on sidewalk