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Return to the Helpful Hints Homepage
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Helpful Hints: Creating Interest Areas
Setting up interest areas with in the classroom is important for
the making of a classroom that promotes the growth and development for a child.
Here are areas that are typically in an early childhood classroom:
• Blocks (unit blocks, people and transportation)
• Dramatic Play (kitchen set, dress-up clothes & dolls)
• Fine Motor or Manipulative (tables, puzzles, pegs & beads)
• Art (easels, paint, crayons & paper)
• Sand & Water (sand and water table, funnels, measuring cups & sponges)
• Library (book display, books & soft cushions)
• Music and Movement (dance/prop storage, musical instruments/players)
• Storage for Personal Belongings (lockers, storage bins, etc.)
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Helpful Hints:
Literacy In The Classroom
The Literacy Area is a necessity in a successful classroom. A place where children and look through books,
listen to records or practice writing skills will allow children to get the most out of their learning environment.
Placement
Please the literacy area in a moderately quiet area of the classroom. Keep the area open, yet section it off so that there
isn't any disturbance from surrounding areas.
Make the Area Inviting
When a child sees cushioned chairs and pillows they are reassured the area is a comfortable and cozy. Provide various
work surfaces such as tables and chairs. Decorate the area to represent class events, family pictures and projects.
Appearance
Arrange reading materials neatly on a shelf or book display. This is appealing to children, thereby encouraging them
into the literacy area.
Provide puppets and puppet theater, big book displays and record players to enhance the area.
Depending on the number of children in the classroom rotate between 15 and 20 books which are related to
the time of year of what is happening in the classroom: e.g. Autumn leaves, planting gardens etc.
Too many books or books in poor condition can be overwhelming to children. Keep the area inviting to children.
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The aforementioned are professional opinions. All of these are the sole property of WDM, Inc.
Any use of the contents, above statements, or ideas requires the written permission of WDM, Inc. Violators will be prosecuted.
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Helpful Hint of the Month...
Teacher's Lock-It-Up Cabinet
The Teacher's Lock-It-Up Cabinet gives the teachers
storage for their personal belongings,
as well as those supplies that can not be left out
without the direction or supervision of the teacher.
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Shown above:
WD18400
Teacher's Lock-It-Up Cabinet
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Teacher Resources: Helpful Hints Archive
Our past Helpful Hints articles, organized & archived
for your convenience in setting-up your own classroom.
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Enhance interest areas by providing enough shelving & storage bins
for the amount of materials provided in the classroom.
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