Play-Based Learning Areas

Integral part of our Montessori and play-based daily schedule are times children spend at learning areas or learning centers. During free-choice area time children can freely choose which area to visit and how much time to spend at each area. The areas are designed to help the children develop in many ways.

Block Area

The block area is filled with things to build with, put together and take apart, fill and empty, and pretend with. Here children acquire a concrete understanding of concepts crucial to logical thinking.

House Area

The house area is the space dedicated to "playing house". It has props and child-size versions of household appliances, utensils, and furniture for children to use in their play. This setting allows children to make sense of their immediate world.

Reading Corner

The reading area lays the foundation for reading and writing. Here children can relax and enjoy the wonderful world of children's books. As children read books and listen to books being read to them they build literacy skills such as vocabulary and sentence structure.

Writing Table

The writing table gives easy access to writing materials and lets the children enjoy a variety of writing activities as they learn skills that will help them become confident, competent writers. The variety of materials strengthens the hands and fingers, while exposing children to the letters of the alphabet.

Art Table

At the art table children develop creativity, imagination, and self-expression as they engage with a variety of art supplies and tools.

Sensory Bin

The sensory bin provides a wonderful tactile opportunity for children to explore multiple senses, including touch, sight, sound, and smell. Working at a sensory bin also promotes body awareness, and supports learning and language development as children communicate with each other.

Easel

At the easel children use large and small vertical movements as well as fast and slow movements to develop gross motor skills. They also learn to express their emotions and create art.

Playdough Table

Playdough builds strength in children's hands. Rolling, squishing, molding, breaking, and flattening helps to develop muscles that are used for fine motor movements which are very important for holding a pencil and using scissors. Playing with playdough is also a sensory experience; it fosters bilateral coordination, and creative development.

Science & Exploration

In the science area children discover and wonder about everything in the world around them. As they explore they develop analytical thinking skills, problem solving and coping skills.

Manipulative Table

On our free-choice table we offer various activities that build cognitive skills, such as counting and sorting, matching shapes, and alphabet puzzles. We also offer activities that focus on fine motor skills such as cutting and tearing paper.

As the children work in the different areas they develop:

Social and emotional skills as they cooperate with their friends.
Self-regulation as they share and take turns.
Language and literacy skills as they read, write, listen, and communicate.
Fine and gross motor skills as they use their whole body.
Cognitive development through mathematical experiences and scientific explorations.
Knowledge in health, history, and social science.
Skills in visual and performing arts.