Classrooms

In quality day care centers and preschools, classrooms have. . .

• Lots of books and magazines that children can handle and play with
• Areas for many different activities, such as art, science, housekeeping, writing, and perhaps computers
• Plenty of print on labels, signs, and posters
• Writing materials, including paper, pencils, crayons, and markers
• Magnetic letters, or letters made of foam, plastic, wood, or other durable material so children can pretend write and play

Instruction

In quality day care centers and preschools, teachers. . .

• Read aloud to children frequently, from many different kinds of books
• Talk with children throughout the day and listen carefully to what they say
• Play games such as “Simon Says” and “Mother, May I?” that require children to listen carefully
• Give children opportunities to build their knowledge by exploring their interests and ideas