Materials
Green construction paper
Scissors
Crayons or markers
Glue
Popsicle sticks
Poster paper
Instructions
1. Glue a clothespin to the top of each dowel so that the clip part faces away
from the dowel. (Use rubber bands to hold the clothespins in place while the
glue sets.)
2. Mix the plaster of Paris with water, according to the directions on the side of
the box.
3. Fill each oatmeal box or yogurt container with plaster.
4. While the plaster is setting, place the bottom of the dowel into the center of
the plaster, making sure to push it down to the bottom of the container.
5. After the plaster has dried, remove the cardboard or plastic from the outside
of the containers or decorate them with contact paper, if desired.
6. Put one of these containers in each learning center.
7. Cut tag board or card stock paper into
6" x 8" (15 cm x 20 cm) pieces. Use
these pieces to identify the learning center
by:
* Cutting or drawing a picture of
the center, gluing it on the tag
board, and labeling it. (For example,
the Construction Zone, the Book
Center, or the Art Station.)
* For group time, cut out copies of
the children's photos and glue
them onto the tag board.
8. Attach the labels by clipping them with
the clothespins.
More to do
Use these labels repeatedly. One idea is to
put the picture/group cards on tables or areas where you want the children to go.
With the centers easily identified, the children can choose their activities. If space
is limited, put a number next to the picture so the children can see how many
people can go to that center. The labels help parent volunteers find the centers
where help is needed. Clip different labels as needed.
