I'm wondering if you are a parent or if you are thinking about what is used in a PreK classroom.
I consider most everything in a PreK classroom as educational so I'll go from interest area to interest area and make some general thoughts.
Fine motor/writing area: mini chalkboards, white boards, magnets and magnet boards, many different types of writing tools and paper, scissors, puzzles, lacing boards, sand trays, build a letter sets, alphabet and number charts, playdough and tools, LeapFrog materials, etc.
Art: easel, art media, scissors, glue (bottle, glue sticks, spreaders, etc), collage materials, do a dot markers, glitter glue sticks, foamies, etc.
Sensory: sensory table with a variety of sensory material that is varied from week to week. "tools" and toys to work with the material.
Discovery: magnets, mirrors, ramps/cars, magnify glasses, microscopes, color paddles, shakers, binoculars, planting items, charts/posters, etc
Blocks: different types of blocks- hollow, wooden unit, small, foam, cardboard, etc Sets to help extend block play- cars, signs, farm, people, etc.
Dramatic play: mirror, "kitchen set", dress up clothes, etc
Computers: various types of computer games from toddler to Kindergarten
Library: flannel board, puppet theatre, books, books, books, soft seating
Games and manipulatives: puzzles, manipulatives of all sorts, games such as memory, file folder games
Circle Time: cd player and a selection of CD's, big books, calendar, visual schedule, transition time materials, weather board, job chart, etc.
Music and movment- rhythm instruments, scarves, streamers, bean bags, etc
Outdoor play- trikes, sand play tools, climbers, etc
I could never name everything but that should give you a starting point. I would suggest you look through Lake Shore Learning or Discount School Supply catalogs for more specific ideas of educational materials. They have websites as well that you can browse. Nices concept sets can be purchased with Lakeshore...they are more "educational" focused with their kits and such than Discount...Discount has mainly basic equipment/manipulatives, etc.
Answered By: Amber - 4/2/2009 |