CLICK HERE to see all of our teacher back to school resources! Our toddler learning centers time is an important part of our school day. We create inviting, hands-on activities that allow for much exploration. As with our 3 year olds centers time, our 2 year olds can spend as much or as little time desired at whatever centers they wish to go. Because this is usually their first school experience, we want them to feel welcome, safe, and happy.
Centers Time Video – See My Current Classroom!
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Writing Center
Reading Center
Light Table
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I cannot stress this enough! If you have too much available in your centers, you will overwhelm your toddlers and they will have a hard time becoming engaged. It’s okay to have empty shelves. I admit, this is still hard for me. But because I have observed this age group during centers time for over 19 years, I know that it’s better to have less than to have too much. You can always add more if you feel it’s needed. At the beginning of the year, I don’t have every center open. I am using this time to introduce them to each area of our classroom, showing them how to use the materials, helping them share with their classmates. Less is best those first few weeks. Then, as I feel they are ready, I will open another center. And then a bit later, another. Eventually, every center will be open. I use this time to carefully observe how they are using the materials. I am close by if I need to help with a sharing issue (because this is ongoing with toddlers!) or to redirect a child who is having a hard time. I do not control how many children can be at each center. I do have a certain number of chairs at the centers with tables, but it’s not uncommon for the children to pull up an extra chair. Our 2 year olds for the most part like to be close to each other. I will often find them traveling around the room in small groups. Sometimes the entire class is in one corner of our room! They usually move on to another area quite quickly, but still together. This is a great way for them to build those social and emotional skills!
What’s In Our Toddler Learning Centers
Read more: Our Reading and Writing Center Read more: The Best Books for Busy Toddlers Read more: Over 25 Light Table Activities
Playdough
Read more: Playdough Learning Activities
Table Activities
Watch the Video
Dramatic Play
Read more: Pretend Play Activities
Block Center
Read more: Block Center Management
Science
Read More: 10 Simple Toddle Science Activities
Art
We do a lot of process art with both our 2 and 3 year olds so that they can enjoy exploring different tools, paint recipes, and textures.
Easel
Read more: Easel Activities We Love
Sensory Table
Read more: Big Collection of Sensory Table Activities for the Entire Year Toddler Classroom Ideas for Back to School How to Put Together a Simple Toddler Classroom Schedule Tips for the New Toddler Teacher I have helped create each of these packets, along with a team of talented educators and homeschoolers. Easy to follow activity plans include activity modifications and adaptations to meet the needs of all learners. Every theme comes with recommended reading lists, songs, material lists, and more. Click on the graphics below for more details. Toddlers (18 – 36 months): Preschool (3 – 5 Years):
