Learning Environment
In Choice Time, children explore areas like Blocks, Dramatic Play, Art, Science, Sensory, and Toys/Games. These areas are collectively known as what
Interest Areas
This type of question (e.g., “What do you think will happen next?”) helps children think critically during free play.
What are open-ended questions
This type of play is child-directed and allows children to move freely among interest areas at their own pace
Choice Time / Free Play/ Gross Motor
This daily component helps children build large-muscle skills, social skills, and confidence while exploring movement freely
gross motor
These help children know where materials belong
labels
Choice time activities typically take place for a minimum of _______
60 minutes
This teaching technique involves giving just enough guidance to help a child succeed without taking away independence
scaffolding
These TWO daily components are considered free play opportunities
Choice Time and Gross Motor Play
Gross motor materials promote the use of which body parts?
Large Muscles
To renew children’s curiosity and engagement, supporting this developmental process teachers should _______ materials
rotate
When children are finished working in one area, they are ______ to move to another available area
Free
This practice helps prevent overcrowding, ensures safety as children explore multiple areas, and allows teachers to circulate intentionally
zoning
This skill involves the teacher strategically moving to different areas of the classroom to observe student engagement, build relationships, provide individual support, and proactively address any potential disruptions.
Circulation
Gross Motor activities typically take place for a minimum of _______
30 Minutes
When materials are ________, that means that they are visible, without barriers, and placed at eye level which supports exploration and independence
accessible
This interactive display tells children when interest areas are available
planning board/area management signs
This is the teacher’s primary role during free play observing, interacting thoughtfully, and extending learning without taking over
Scaffolding /individualized teaching/interacting
During free play, Children play alone, with a _______, or with _______
peer, or multiple peers
When outdoor play is not possible ________ _______ _______ should take place
Indoor Gross Motor
Young children build confidence using materials through
repetition
The ________ is considered the 3rd teacher in the classroom
Displays/learning environment
This practice ensures safety, active supervision, and awareness as children explore multiple areas
Zoning
The teacher’s role is to supervise, observe, interact thoughtfully without _______________
taking over
Which seven skills are stimulated by gross motor equipment
(e.g. balancing, running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking, pedaling, steering, crawling, bouncing, hopping)
This piece of equipment helps children practice crawling, spatial awareness, and whole-body coordination.
Tunnel