Learning Materials

An engaging learning environment is provided for exploring and supporting intentional instruction. Our classroom has eight centers, each with a rich range of developmentally appropriate materials to entice children to actively engage in the thematic study. Materials and defined activities are added to centers on a regular basis to tie the activities in the centers more closely to the daily focus and to create novelty.
Our multicultural classroom includes materials depicting people from many different places doing many different things to expose children to other cultures and help them to be comfortable with and respect all the ways people are different from each other.

When selecting and arranging materials and equipment in the classroom, the following factors are taking into consideration:

Include a range of materials and equipment for children of different ages (two to five years of age) and abilities.
Include materials to meet individual children's strengths, needs, and interest.
Learning centers should provide opportunities for children to work at their own interest level and at their own pace.
Provide a balance of areas and materials for active and quiet play.
Materials should be open-ended and allow for a wide range of manipulative and creative uses by children.
Cultural representation of the program's enrollment should be integrated throughout the classroom with appropriate materials and props.