How to Set Up Learning Centers for Toddlers

Toddlers -- children aged one to two -- are active learners. Creating learning centers in your home, a toddler class or a Parent-Child classroom allows them to develop in the areas of language, pre-literacy, art and music, movement and even science. Arranging areas with appropriate activities will keep them engaged and stimulated and allow their active minds to learn and grow. Setting up learning centers requires age-appropriate toys and activities that are easy for toddlers to explore.

Things You'll Need

  • Child-sized tables and chairs
  • Rug(s)
  • Pillows
  • Books
  • Flannel board with flannel pieces (Alphabet, pictures, numbers and story sets)
  • Playdough
  • Shaving Cream
  • Finger paint
  • Squeeze bottles and paint
  • Sand or oatmeal
  • Paper
  • Dried beans
  • Bucket or cup
  • Blocks
  • Nesting cups
  • Puzzles
  • Basket
  • Kitchen toys
  • Cars and trains

Instructions

    • 1

      Divide your room into areas. Set up one table for reading and other quiet activities, another table for art and sensory activities, another area for sorting and matching and areas for open play with toys like blocks.

    • 2

      Set up the reading area. Include age-appropriate books and make a cozy corner for sitting and reading. You may want to include a felt board for reading activities, such as matching letters or following along with a felt board story.

    • 3

      Arrange your art table. Choose one project at a time for toddlers to work on. Finger paint, squeeze bottle paint and other messy paint projects allow toddlers to explore their artistic side and also engage their senses. To add to the sensory experience, mix sand or oatmeal in with the paint. Play dough or shaving cream can also be used on the art table. You may also want to have a bucket nearby filled with oatmeal or dried beans. Allow toddlers to play in the oatmeal and beans, using measuring cups or other cups to fill and pour.

    • 4

      Design a sorting area. Toddlers can use puzzles with big pieces to practice their fine motor skills as well as their matching abilities. Nesting cups and blocks also make good additions to the sorting area. Toddlers can match and practice counting cups, blocks or other objects.

    • 5

      Include areas for free play. Toddlers have short attention spans but enjoy playing with pretend kitchens, dollhouses, train sets or race cars. Permit them active time to explore age-appropriate toys. Play helps them develop motor skills as well as socialization.

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