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Module 4: Curriculum and Learning Environments

Interest Areas or Centers

Page 6
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A well-planned classroom encourages children to play and develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. A school-age care classroom should be planned with many well-defined interest areas (sometimes called centers). Interest areas or centers are areas where materials are organized by type, and are accessible to children to participate in a particular kind of play.

This is done for several reasons:

  • It structures the environment so children can choose their own activities
  • It also gives children the freedom to work and play alone or with a small group of friends
  • Well-organized and inviting interest areas allow children to engage in activities with little help or assistance
  • This organization frees you to support and encourage children who do need attention and assistance

Regardless of the size or shape of your program’s environment, it can be set up in interest areas. In a large room the areas can be relatively permanent, defined by architectural features and furniture. In smaller rooms, some areas may remain in place throughout the year, while others are created by using rolling carts, baskets, or boxes to store and display materials.

The number, ages and interests of the children enrolled should be considered when deciding which interest areas should be created. As well as the size and characteristics of the space and requirements related to sharing space. Some interest areas are so popular that they should be available every day. Others can be established in response to children’s interests and left up until children have moved on to other topics. Sub-areas can address special interests.
The course does not "save" your progress. Use the checklist provided to track your progress, and click on the link in the menu to return to where you left off in the training.