Using the Center Approach, children move around freely and learn
by doing.  They change activities and meet different groups of children. 
They have the opportunity to work and talk with others, using good
manners such as taking turns, waiting patiently, verbalizing their feelings,
and listening to others.  Centers allow children to make choices and learn
through active exploration. 

HOME LIVING
  Allows for role-playing, development of language skills and stimulates the
imagination.  It plays an important role in the development of empathy.

ART
    A place where children can express themselves using a variety of media. 
This helps the development of hand-eye coordination  through the use of crayons,
markers, finger and brush painting, cutting, tearing, gluing, tracing, and other
tactile experiences.

LIBRARY
    Children learn the value of reading and find that books give them pleasure and information.  Their language grows.  They are introduced to literature by listening to stories.  These activities prpare children to read.  We have recently formed a relationship with the library on the CSUCI campus so that our classes can walk there for further enrichment.

SCIENCE
    The more the young child knows and understands about his world, the more independent and confident he becomes.  Experiments, pets, and growing plants gives him new experiences to think about and encorages him to ask questions.

SENSORY
    A child needs to feel that he can control and manage his world.  Using different mediums such as water, cornmeal, playdough, and sand help to give him this confidence.

BLOCK BUILDING
    This center develops problem solving and negotiating skills in a group setting.  Even more importantly, block building furthers the growth of scientific thinking involving inquiry, imnvention, and discovery.

COGNITIVE TABLE
    Materials are meticulously designed for their academic value:
        PRE-MATH - sequence, size comparison, near and far, numbers to 10, and shapes
        PRE-READING - alike and different, realtionships, opposites, letters and sounds, alphabet, auditory discrimination
        SOCIAL SKILLS - self expression, following directions, respect of others, control of temper, and group participation
        PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT - gross and fine motor skills, learn pincher pencil grip
        SENSE AWARENESS - smelling, listening, touching, tasting, seeing and feeling
        SCIENCE and HEALTH AWARENESS - nutrition, grooming, time comprehension, calendar familiarity and cause and effect
        MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT - rhythm, memorizing simple songs, singing together

Children learn through play!