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Updated April 1, 2017

Module 4: Curriculum and Learning Environments

Classroom Interest Areas

Page 9
You May Print or Save Handouts for Reference
Handout: “Classroom Interest Areas,” contains a comprehensive list of specific materials that can be included in each of the areas as well as the skills children may learn while playing in those areas. 
A well-planned environment encourages children to play and grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.  In order to stimulate development in all areas, space should be planned with well-defined interest centers.  Interest centers are areas where materials are organized by type, and are accessible to children when they are interested in participating in particular kinds of play.  Children will be able to move around the room, make choices, and learn new things.  One child may choose a quiet spot to be alone while another might choose a more active area to play with other children.  When children change interest areas, they encounter new challenges to deal with, new children to talk to and work with, and new materials to master in their own way.  
An example of some of the interest centers that could be included in an early learning space include:
  • Blocks
  • Creative art
  • Music
  • Dramatic play
  • Sensory exploration
  • Library/quiet area
  • Literacy/writing
  • Table toys/manipulatives
  • Science
  • Computer
  • Woodworking/building area
  • Outdoor/large muscle areas  
Although it sounds silly, sometimes a periodic crawl around the environment will give you a sense of what it looks like to children.
​Ask yourself:
  • Is it colorful?
  • Are there a variety of textures?
  • Are things displayed at an appropriate level?  
  • Is furniture the right size?  
  • Is it pleasing to the parents and staff as well as the children in care?  
  • Are there enough materials for children to use in their daily work and can they access the materials independently?  
While interacting with children, watch carefully for their level of involvement.  Do they appear absorbed and engaged with the selection of materials and activities?  Or are there some children who appear bored or uninspired?  Perhaps some children need a greater challenge or a different type of activity, need to create or use their imagination more, or feel lonely or overwhelmed.  Or perhaps there is simply not enough of a popular material or toy. Taking into consideration the availability of developmentally appropriate materials, the needs of individual children, and the way your setting is organized can help you maintain a fun, inspiring setting.   ​
Optional Online Resources for Further Study