What's the Point of Centers?

“What’s the point of centers in preschool? Don’t they just play?”  I have heard that question more times than I care to share.  Here are all the answers you have been looking for.   It used to be that preschool was a time for children to free play all day.  They built with blocks, played house and painted every once and a while, just to have fun; without a goal in mind.  Preschool is still about fun, but now we play with a purpose.  Research and a variety of theorists support the idea of making play matter.  We still play house, but now the “Housekeeping Center” has shopping lists, grocery ads, bills, envelopes and a phone book.  We still do art, but now we use a variety of media to express creativity, and we avoid the cut and paste products when possible.  Each child’s art is unique to them.  We use shaving cream, puffy paint, grease crayons, and pudding.  It is amazing how much information these little people can soak in.  Research also shows that children learn best when the experiences are meaningful and familiar.  What is more meaningful and familiar than play?

Preschool Schedule 2008-2009

8:00-8:15

Free play Attendance

Table work

8:15-8:30

1st circle, Opening Song, 3 Pledges, Calendar & Weather, Praise & Worship, Prayer Requests

8:30-8:45

Seatwork (different for each age)

8:45-9:10

Free play

9:10-9:30

Bible & worship

9:30-9:55

Bathroom break & snack.

9:55-10:25

Recess.

10:25-11:00

Centers

11:00-11:15

Spanish

11:15-11:30

Story/alphabet concept, Fingerplay, Closing Song & Prayer, Dismissal

  ***At various times children will be pulled out for individual work or small groups in order to teach to their developmental levels.***

8:00-8:15

Free play Attendance

Table work

8:15-8:30

1st circle, Opening Song, 3 Pledges, Calendar & Weather, Praise & Worship, Prayer Requests

8:30-8:45

Seatwork (different for each age)

8:45-9:10

Free play

9:10-9:30

Letter/# Concept

9:30-9:55

Bathroom break & snack.

9:55-10:25

Recess.

10:25-11:00

Centers

11:00-11:15

Bible & worship

11:15-11:30

Story, Dance, Closing Song & Prayer, Dismissal

8:00-8:15

Free play Attendance

Table work

8:15-8:30

1st circle, Opening Song, 3 Pledges, Calendar & Weather, Praise & Worship, Prayer Requests

8:30-8:45

Seatwork (different for each age)

8:45-9:10

Free play

9:10-9:30

Letter/# Concept

9:30-9:55

Bathroom break & snack.

9:55-10:25

Gym

10:25-11:00

Centers

11:00-11:15

Bible & worship

11:15-11:30

Story, Dance, Closing Song & Prayer, Dismissal

8:00-8:15

Free play Attendance

Table work

8:15-8:30

1st circle, Opening Song, 3 Pledges, Calendar & Weather, Praise & Worship, Prayer Requests

8:30-8:45

Seatwork (different for each age)

8:45-9:10

Free play

9:10-9:30

Letter/# Concept

9:30-9:55

Bathroom break & snack.

9:55-10:25

Recess.

10:25-11:00

Centers

11:00-11:15

Bible & worship

11:15-11:30

Story, Dance, Closing Song & Prayer, Dismissal

8:00-8:15

Free play Attendance

Table work

8:15-8:30

1st circle, Opening Song, 3 Pledges, Calendar & Weather, Praise & Worship, Prayer Requests

8:30-8:45

Seatwork (different for each age)

8:45-9:10

Free play

9:10-9:30

Letter/# Concept

9:30-9:55

Bathroom break & snack.

9:55-10:25

Recess.

10:25-11:00

Centers

11:00-11:15

Bible & worship

11:15-11:30

Story, Dance, Closing Song & Prayer, Dismissal