Exploring Centers: What They Are and Why Your Child Will Love Them
Have you heard the phrase ‘classroom centers,’ but have no idea what that refers to or how it helps your child’s development? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re diving headfirst into all things centers with our Director of Educational Services, Erin Pastushok. With nearly three decades of experience in early childhood education, Erin has worn various hats, including that of a teacher, principal, and now director. She is a certified Infant, Toddler, and Family Specialist through the North Carolina Infant Toddler Program, as well as a certified Trainer through the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL).
Q: Hi Erin! What are centers and what types are found in our classrooms?
Erin: Centers are defined areas of the classroom that allow for hands-on learning in smaller groups. Teachers purposefully group items and materials together in centers that encourage particular types of play based on the interests and skills of their students. Depending on the age of the children, our classroom centers include Construction, Dramatic Play, Manipulatives, Sensory, Art, Writing, Science, Language and Literacy, and Music. Hands-on learning is one of the best ways to teach children, which is why centers are a hallmark of our Links to Learning curriculum.
Q: How do centers contribute to a child’s learning and development?
Erin: A child’s impulse to ask questions, to investigate, and to explore comes from a burning curiosity about the world. Learning through hands-on play within centers allows children to make connections between abstract concepts and real-world experiences. It helps them build foundational skills, such as problem-solving, cooperation, communication, and self-regulation, all while having fun and staying motivated. Because of this, our students spend more than a third of their school day in centers!
Q: Can you share examples of how you’ve seen children make significant developmental strides in centers? Erin: Centers are designed to provide holistic learning experiences that promote growth in all forms of development. I’ve seen students make large strides in their social-emotional development while exploring in centers. They develop cooperative play skills, such as taking turns and resolving conflicts using words. Center-based learning also fosters positive interactions between students and teachers. These social-emotional skills are all imperative for having positive interactions and relationships in the future. Through discussions in centers about feelings, students develop empathy and learn to manage their emotions. In terms of academic skills, I’ve seen students improve their addition skills by simply using materials that interest them; for example, building a tower in the Construction center and grouping and counting the blocks used. The possibilities are truly endless.
Q: It sounds like centers are very collaborative. How do teachers encourage problem-solving and teamwork with students who may be shy or timid?
Erin: That’s the beauty of centers. They give teachers the opportunity to personalize the learning for every child. Teachers provide open-ended materials, model problem solving, and encourage students to work together to achieve a common goal (i.e., building a structure with blocks, creating group artwork). Teachers also integrate real-life scenarios, such as setting up a restaurant where children take on different roles, collaborate to prepare meals, and solve problems related to customer service.
October 2023 Newsletter
As we kickstart the month of October, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the changing seasons and the wonderful opportunities that await our students. Fall offers the perfect backdrop for learning. Our students will explore the outdoors and feel the crisp air as they participate in memorable, seasonal activities. We have a lot of exciting things planned this month, including visit by the Fire Department, pumpkin decorating, our annual costume parade and pajama day and more.. We will keep you updated via Links to Home. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We look forward to a season filled with growth, learning, and fun.
Sincerely,
Family Referral Bonus & Open House:
Do you know a colleague who has recently had a baby, a friend in need of care who just relocated to the area, or a family member who is seeking a new preschool for their child? Invite them to our Open House on October 21. When you refer a friend and they enroll, you’re eligible for a free week of tuition. Ask us for details!
Join Us for Our Virtual Parenting Workshop About Managing Big Emotions
October 3 at 4PM PDT / 7PM EST
Young children can quickly become overwhelmed by big feelings that lead to crying, meltdowns, aggression, and other challenging behaviors. Learn ways to teach your child to develop coping skills and manage disappointment. Help them handle separation anxiety and other worries while establishing self-soothing techniques. Sign up at: https://conta.cc/47XmCrZ
Did You Know?
Research shows that students who are exposed to opportunities for creative expression are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement later in life.
Important Dates
October 6 – World Teacher’s Day- Brunch for our teachers
New On Our Preschool Blog:
Exploring Centers: What They Are and Why Your Child Will Love Them
Have you heard the phrase ‘classroom centers,’ but have no idea what that refers to or how it helps your child’s development? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re diving headfirst into all things centers with our Director of Educational Services, Erin Pastushok. With nearly three decades of experience in early childhood education, Erin has worn various hats, including that of a teacher, principal, and now director. She is a certified Infant, Toddler, and Family Specialist through the North Carolina Infant Toddler Program, as well as a certified Trainer through the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL).
Q: Hi Erin! What are centers and what types are found in our classrooms?
Erin: Centers are defined areas of the classroom that allow for hands-on learning in smaller groups. Teachers purposefully group items and materials together in centers that encourage particular types of play based on the interests and skills of their students. Depending on the age of the children, our classroom centers include Construction, Dramatic Play, Manipulatives, Sensory, Art, Writing, Science, Language and Literacy, and Music. Hands-on learning is one of the best ways to teach children, which is why centers are a hallmark of our Links to Learning curriculum.
Q: How do centers contribute to a child’s learning and development?
Erin: A child’s impulse to ask questions, to investigate, and to explore comes from a burning curiosity about the world. Learning through hands-on play within centers allows children to make connections between abstract concepts and real-world experiences. It helps them build foundational skills, such as problem-solving, cooperation, communication, and self-regulation, all while having fun and staying motivated. Because of this, our students spend more than a third of their school day in centers!
Q: Can you share examples of how you’ve seen children make significant developmental strides in centers? Erin: Centers are designed to provide holistic learning experiences that promote growth in all forms of development. I’ve seen students make large strides in their social-emotional development while exploring in centers. They develop cooperative play skills, such as taking turns and resolving conflicts using words. Center-based learning also fosters positive interactions between students and teachers. These social-emotional skills are all imperative for having positive interactions and relationships in the future. Through discussions in centers about feelings, students develop empathy and learn to manage their emotions. In terms of academic skills, I’ve seen students improve their addition skills by simply using materials that interest them; for example, building a tower in the Construction center and grouping and counting the blocks used. The possibilities are truly endless.
Q: It sounds like centers are very collaborative. How do teachers encourage problem-solving and teamwork with students who may be shy or timid?
Erin: That’s the beauty of centers. They give teachers the opportunity to personalize the learning for every child. Teachers provide open-ended materials, model problem solving, and encourage students to work together to achieve a common goal (i.e., building a structure with blocks, creating group artwork). Teachers also integrate real-life scenarios, such as setting up a restaurant where children take on different roles, collaborate to prepare meals, and solve problems related to customer service.