Explore Together (indoors): Explore Our Room

© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.

Direct children’s attention to the “Our Families” wall. Emphasize that the family wall is an area for everyone to share pictures of their families.

Explain to children that you are going to explore all the different areas of the room with them. Say, Let’s explore the areas of the room together so you will feel comfortable sharing all the areas with your family members when they visit. 

As you get to certain areas of the room, point to, touch, and name objects. Invite children to do the same. For example,

• Point out all the books and magazines in the reading area. Ask, What do you think we will do in this area? Allow time for children to respond and then say, Every day we will spend time looking at and reading books. This area is called the Library Center. Ask children to name a favorite storybook they like to look at or have someone read to them. Ask, Is there a special time or place you like to read with someone in your family?
• Ask, What do you see in this area? Have you ever used any of these materials before? Ask children what they think we will do in the block area. Then explain that in the Block Center children will use the blocks to build all kinds of structures. 
• End your exploration at the Art Center. Have children look at all the materials and ask if they have ever used any of them before. Ask, What did you make with these materials? Say, This area is our Art Center. We will paint, draw, and make beautiful things in this area.

Allow children time to walk around the room, explore the materials, and ask questions about the different areas.