Samantha Happel, Preschool Teacher, Keystone Elementary
Ask any teacher the following question: What do you feel is most challenging about teaching writing and reading? Chances are, they will answer with a variety of challenges, including but not limited to assessing children’s current knowledge and skills, providing quality instruction to target their needs, monitoring for progress over time, supporting executive functioning skills (planning, initiating tasks, time management, inhibitory control), and designing an intentional environment centered around student engagement. A lot to consider, right? Centers are the way!
Center Time in Preschool is truly a magical time for children and adults alike. During this time, children self-select play in the following areas: Writing/Literacy, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Games, Math, Art, Science/Discovery, and Sensory Play. Literacy learning happens with intentional design of the classroom environment; children have access to books, writing materials, environmental print, and activities supporting early reading skills such as retelling a familiar story through drama or puppets, letter matching activities, and card making. As students engage in choosing their play based on interests and preferences, teachers have the opportunity to observe, ask questions, target instruction in real-time, and support planning and task initiation, all while supporting social emotional learning such as friendship skills and problem solving.
One of the greatest pleasures of teaching children of this age is watching the creativity, focus, emotional regulation, problem solving, social interaction, and fine motor skills developing within a truly student centered environment. When given choice in what they learn and how they learn, children thrive.