Activity Centers - The Why?

I get this question a lot ... Why use activity centers?

Here's a couple reasons...

1. Consistency/Predictability

Having the same structural format from week to week provides the consistency that preschool aged children need. 3, 4, and 5 year olds want to feel in control of their world, even though they have very little control or choices - however their ability to "know" what is going to happen next gives them the feeling of control that they need! Each week the kids rotate in the same order of colors - thus, children always know where they're going to next, even though they don't know what they will experience in that center - thus keeping things new and exciting each week!

2. Small Groups

Traditional small groups can be difficult in the preschool age group. However, there is still a need for children to interact and learn in small groups of children! Thus, the activity center format breaks down the entire group of children into four smaller groups - allowing each of the children to experience the centers and have the opportunity to connect with their leaders in each area.

3. Hands-On Experience

Preschoolers learn through their senses! When the children in a room are broken down into four small groups we are able to provide so many more experiences than can be provided in a large group setting! Feeling sand or making animal tracks in play-doh may not be possible with 30, 3 year olds ... but when there are 7-8, 3 year olds in your group it becomes a much more enjoyable experience where the children are able to learn and connect the activity with the lesson!

4. Organization

Ultimately, having the same structure from week to week provides organization to the classroom. Leaders know what they can expect each week coming into the classroom - there are 4 centers which take 40 minutes (10 minutes each) and a large group time. The things within the centers switch each week, but that's it - thus there are no surprises!

Stay tuned for ... The How!