School is Fun!
By
Dr. Jean Feldman
Sandy Elsasser
With the emphasis on test scores and academics, the value and
purpose of play in kindergarten is often dismissed. Play is a child’s
work! It’s not a waste of time; it’s how they construct their
knowledge. It’s joyful, meaningful, engaging, and essential to the
healthy development of the whole child.
Here is a great book you can make to help parents and
administrators understand how important learning centers and
play are to the curriculum. First, take photographs of your children
engaged in the different centers in your classroom. Label each
page with the appropriate center and glue on the photograph.
Add a description similar to those below describing the skills
children are developing as they work and play in each center.
Add a front and back cover and bind with book rings or a spiral
binder. Read the book with your class, encouraging them to talk
about their friends and what they are doing in each picture. Let
one child take the book home each evening to share with their
families.
BLOCKS In the block center I’m developing math concepts and
motor skills. I’m also learning how to share and work with my
friends. I may use these skills as an architect or builder when I grow
up.
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School is Fun!
http://drjean.org
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LIBRARY In the library I can practice my reading skills. I’m also
learning to love books.
ART The art center gives me the opportunity to develop my
creativity and express myself. As I experiment and have fun, I’m
also developing social skills and small muscles. Maybe I’ll be an
artist or designer when I grow up!
DRAMATIC PLAY
When I pretend in the dramatic play area, I’m
learning how to be a mommy, daddy, doctor, or teacher.
Dramatic play also fosters my language skills and my social skills.
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School is Fun!
http://drjean.org
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SCIENCE I can observe, experiment, predict, and discover new
things in the science center. These are the same things I may do
one day as a real scientist.
MATH The math center develops my problem-solving skills and
gives me hands-on experiences in counting, comparing,
patterning, and measuring. I may use these skills as an
accountant or computer specialist when I grow up.
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School is Fun!
http://drjean.org
Page 3
MUSIC As I play instruments and sing, I’m developing listening
and language skills. Music just makes me feel good!
WRITING The writing center has lots of interesting materials so I
can learn how to write stories, letters, and poems. Maybe I’ll be an
author when I grow up!
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School is Fun!
http://drjean.org
Page 4
TABLE TOYS
Puzzles, pegboards, play dough, and sewing cards
develop eye-hand coordination. I’m also learning to complete
tasks.
PLAYGROUND Out on the playground, I’m releasing energy and
developing strength, coordination, and a strong, healthy body. I
love to play outside with my friends at school.
REMEMBER! PLAY IS A CHILD’S WORK!
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School is Fun!
http://drjean.org
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