April 10th, 2009 Centers of openendedness Posted by Melitsa in Articles, Education, play activities

Maybe you’re new to trying Free play and are looking for some ideas.

Here’s a list of our top 10 open ended activities to make into centers

1. playdoh with equipment
2. train set
3. farmyard with animals
4. Paper and colours etc
5. Paints, print, glitter and collage
6. Shaving cream, gunk,
7. tables & chairs, material
8. Lego, blocks, knex
9. play food
10. Cuddly toys, puppets

Our centers vary in location and how long we do them That last reason for my benefit.

We’ve never had all the centers going at once.

Set up a few centers along with other toys. I like to remind them of three of four things they can do. With rooms full of toys kids need to be reminded of what they have.

A typical session may have; playdoh out with the equipment in the kitchen ( tile floor easy clean up, I can work whilst they play and join in if needed or want) Train set with trees, homes and people ( Basement) and a few floor puzzles ( family room)

Kids freely move from place to place. The Playdoh is the only one I clean up between centers.

***What centers are your favourite?***

Melitsa Avila is a former teacher, mother of three boys and military wife who talks about living an intentional play lifestyle using practical and everyday play activities to do with the under 5s. She publishes related ebooks & newsletters. Melitsa is the host and producer of a weekly Early Childhood radio show: Raising Playful Tots bringing parents and carers together with Early childhood practitioners. Thanks for reading!

Melitsa

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