Center time is probably the most important time during
the day for a kindergartener. It allows them the time
they need developmentally, to explore their environment
and make sense of what they are learning. It is not a
quiet time, nor is it a noisy time, but a time when they
can use their voices to communicate with friends, show excitement, or ask questions. It is an opportunity for
them to move around their classroom and manipulate various objects.
 
Center time is usually about 45 minutes in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon. Children choose what center they would like by moving their nametag on the center choice board. Each center has a set number of children that can play there at a time. This is to ensure that not too many children are in one center at a time. Children understand that when they choose a center they are responsible to play there for “awhile” and cleanup what they used before they leave. Children are encouraged to use various centers and make the most of their center time experience.

Discovery has 6 classrooms which meet and exceed state teacher / child ratio's

   - Toddler 1
   - Toddler 2
   - Preschool 1
   - Preschool 2
   - Pre Kindergarten
   - Kindergarten

 

* All classrooms are fully accredited

 

We work on weekly units which cover all
areas of development:

 

   - Math
   - Science
   - Language
   - Literacy
   - Arts & Music

 

 

Library: In the library center, children practice early reading skills and develop concepts of print. The children may read our class big books, charts, or any book from our classroom literature library.

 

Computer*: When the children use our classroom computer, they are able to work at their own rate and practice their computer skills, reading readiness skills, and math skills. *Kindergarten Only.

 

Art Center/Easel: The art center gives children an opportunity to develop their creativity, and express themselves. They also develop small muscles and fine motor skills. The children explore a wide variety of art media, including paint and working with different textures.

 

Dramatic Play: When children pretend and play dress-up, they foster their language and social skills. Throughout the year, the dramatic play area may change to go along with themes.

 

Music Program: We have an interactive music program scheduled for all of the classrooms. This is a free program for all the children to enjoy.

 

Science: In the science center, children observe, experiment, predict, and discover new things. There is a science journal that children can use to write down their observations, predictions and discoveries just like real scientists.

 

Read the Room*: The children “Read the Room” using pointers. Our classroom is very a print-rich environment. The children take the pointers and use them to point to the words around the room. They may read our Big Books, song and poetry charts, Word wall, color words, etc. *Kindergarten Only.

 

Clipboard Cruising*: When the children go “clipboard cruising”, they are writing the things that they see in the room. They may copy their friend’s names or take a census of how many people are in a given center. In doing this, they are practicing their penmanship and early writing skills. *Kindergarten Only.

 

Sensory Table: A great place to build those fine motor, social, and language skills.

 

Table Toys: A variety of board games, puzzles, and toys that promote cooperation, fine motor growth, cognitive skills, reading and oral language.

 

Listening Center: In the listening center, children can listen to books on tape and follow along. Throughout the year we will record our favorite stories on tape and put them into the listening center. There will be a listening center journal so that children can write or draw about the story they listened to.

 

Writing Center: In the writing center, the children can make books; write letters, posters, cards, etc. The center is stocked with a wide variety of materials, which encourage writing. Above the writing center table there is a large pocket chart that will be used for various literacy activities.

 

Block Center: In the block center, children develop math concepts, spatial development, and motor skills. Here, the children also learn to share and work with their peers.

 

Math Center: In the math center, the children can explore with many different manipulatives, math games, and materials.

 

Monday Morning MessageCenter*: In this center children practice reading and writing skills such as phonics, grammar, and comprehension. It is also a means for children to practice using their prior knowledge to complete a reading/writing activity. *Kindergarten Only.

 

Poetry Center*: In this center children can practice reading and singing the weekly poem or song. Children also have the opportunity to practice sight words and vocabulary words through hands on manipulation. *Kindergarten Only.

About Discovery Child Care Center

Discovery Day Care at Messenger Square
25 Messenger Street
Plainville, Massachusetts 02762
Phone: (508) 643-3399

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM