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I'm working on my "interest centers", and would like ideas. My youngest are 19 months old. Here's what I have so far:
Art:
scraps of anything, colored pencils, crayons, and scissors in reach. Also colored paper, white paper, and a couple coloring books. Thinking about glue sticks, but so far, they have not been used responsibly; even the 3 1/2 yo tends messes around with them. She rolls them out, paints her face, etc..
Science: we have a bunch of plants, some of which the kids planted from seeds themselves. We also have a tornado tube. We also currently have a bear skull, fur, a beaver skull, scat, and some foot-print molds. This is all on loan from the wildlife refuge. Very cool!
Out of easy reach but in view: playdough, stamp pads and stamps, markers, sheets of foam, glitter, elmers glue, acrylic and water color paints.
Math:
not much so far. I have a wooden clock puzzle and an old clorox wipes container (very well washed, label removed) with milk caps as counters. I'm thinking I also need writing paper, pencils, and rulers. I own number magnets, but haven't figured out how to incorporate those.
Dramatic play/kitchen:
I have a lovely wood kitchen set, lots of food, plates, cups, toy appliances, and hats and shoes for dress up. There is a small table and 2 chairs. Mostly, they throw it all around, and rarely does anyone "cook" anything. I know I need an acrylic mirror-it's on my list.
Blocks:
I own unit blocks, but they are currently out of reach, because up until now they've only been used to build something briefly, then send it crashing. Usually, it's one of the other kids that knocks it down, and then it's scream-fest. They're heavy and I think that's unsafe. I also have a bunch of small tree cookies that can be used as blocks. That's been hit-and-miss. As accessories, I have a bunch of vehicles & some good plastic animals.
Literacy:
I have a nice sized book rack filled with books based on the month's theme. I have no accomidation for writing because of space issues. I'm still trying to figure that out. I also have a set of ABC magnets on the door, but not near the book area, so it's sort of split up.
My space is a small bedroom that has the kitchen in it, and then my livingroom/dinningroom/kitchen/entry area. No seperate space just for daycare other than that small room, so I'm a little stingy about what I put up on the walls. I have a display of kid's art work above their cubbies.
If anyone has any more ideas to expand my "centers", or what should go together, let me know....
Art:
scraps of anything, colored pencils, crayons, and scissors in reach. Also colored paper, white paper, and a couple coloring books. Thinking about glue sticks, but so far, they have not been used responsibly; even the 3 1/2 yo tends messes around with them. She rolls them out, paints her face, etc..
Science: we have a bunch of plants, some of which the kids planted from seeds themselves. We also have a tornado tube. We also currently have a bear skull, fur, a beaver skull, scat, and some foot-print molds. This is all on loan from the wildlife refuge. Very cool!
Out of easy reach but in view: playdough, stamp pads and stamps, markers, sheets of foam, glitter, elmers glue, acrylic and water color paints.
Math:
not much so far. I have a wooden clock puzzle and an old clorox wipes container (very well washed, label removed) with milk caps as counters. I'm thinking I also need writing paper, pencils, and rulers. I own number magnets, but haven't figured out how to incorporate those.
Dramatic play/kitchen:
I have a lovely wood kitchen set, lots of food, plates, cups, toy appliances, and hats and shoes for dress up. There is a small table and 2 chairs. Mostly, they throw it all around, and rarely does anyone "cook" anything. I know I need an acrylic mirror-it's on my list.
Blocks:
I own unit blocks, but they are currently out of reach, because up until now they've only been used to build something briefly, then send it crashing. Usually, it's one of the other kids that knocks it down, and then it's scream-fest. They're heavy and I think that's unsafe. I also have a bunch of small tree cookies that can be used as blocks. That's been hit-and-miss. As accessories, I have a bunch of vehicles & some good plastic animals.
Literacy:
I have a nice sized book rack filled with books based on the month's theme. I have no accomidation for writing because of space issues. I'm still trying to figure that out. I also have a set of ABC magnets on the door, but not near the book area, so it's sort of split up.
My space is a small bedroom that has the kitchen in it, and then my livingroom/dinningroom/kitchen/entry area. No seperate space just for daycare other than that small room, so I'm a little stingy about what I put up on the walls. I have a display of kid's art work above their cubbies.
If anyone has any more ideas to expand my "centers", or what should go together, let me know....
)
so we made ours for around $30. 
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