Return to the Helpful Hints Homepage 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.)   Helpful Hints: Meeting the Needs of Everybody in the Classroom AREA INFANTS TODDLERS ADULTS GREETING •Cubbies or lockers for personal belongings •Parent information displayed in a central area •Adult-size seating SLEEEPING •Cribs •Mobiles •Cots •Blanket •Special toy •Rocking chair or glider  so that the teacher can help  sooth the child to sleep EATING •High chairs or infant seats •Tables •Child-sized eating utensils •Child-sized table and chairs  (feet are comfortably resting on the floor) •Child sized utensils and dishware •Ample and convenient  workspace & storage  for food preparation •Cleaning supplies •Adult-sized furnishings  to feed the infants DIAPERING & TOILETING •Changing table with raised lip •Wall mounted unbreakable mirror •Soft, washable toys •Changing table •Low toilets and sinks •Steps to the sink  if the sink is not low to the ground •Plenty of toilet paper,  paper towels and soap •Changing station  located near a water source •Placement of changing  station is positioned so that  the teacher can see all or most  of the classroom at a glance. •Bleach solution  (out of the reach of children) •Easy access to  diapers & other supplies GROSS MOTOR PLAY •Protected play area •Furniture that the  infants can pull up on •Mats •Protected play area  (away from other activities) •Proper equipment to climb on •Low shelving QUIET PLAY •Protected play area  with soft toys within reach •Soft cushioned area •Area that is sectioned off from loud areas •Soft chairs •Books •Book display •Comfortable seating 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. Helpful Hint of the Month... Mobile Food Cart The Mobile Food Cart (WD18200) is best used in the infant room so that the teachers have easy access to all of their food preparation needs. Shown above: WD18200 Mobile Food Cart      Teacher Resources: Helpful Hints Archive Our past Helpful Hints articles, organized & archived for your convenience in setting-up your own classroom. Enhance interest areas by providing enough shelving & storage bins for the amount of materials provided in the classroom.

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