Children Learn When They Play

 Play Dough/Clay – These “tactile play” choices are very soothing and are useful in releasing tension and channeling feelings of aggression in children.  Basic important math concepts are absorbed as children change the shape of a mass, break it apart and lump it back together again.  And, of course, imagination and language grow as children create things and make up stories about them.

 Table Toys – materials such as puzzles, beads to string, legos, peg and lacing cards develop children's eye-hand coordination and awareness of concepts of size, shape, color, number and location – all basic to later reading and math skills.

 Dramatic Play – the “play house” area of the classroom is an important place where children practice developing language and social skills.

 Water Play and Sand Play – develop coordination as children learn to pour and basic math concepts are absorbed as children watch water or sand levels rise or sink in different shaped containers.

The Science Area – will hold different things from time to time.  Children will have a chance to examine and play with various natural materials, such as rocks, beans and shells.  They will absorb concepts of texture, color, weight and etc.

Blocks – when children play with blocks they have the chance to become a giant.  They can create anything and knock them down.  Wooden blocks which are precisely measured give children many experiences with practical mathematics.

 Art Projects – whether it is pasting, coloring, finger-painting, or cutting children stretch their imagination and develop a greater awareness of size, shape, color, texture and position when they engage in art projects.  Eye-hand coordination basic to writing and reading is also developed as children “make a mark” and create shapes and compositions.