Research shows that children learn through play and hands-on exploration. Exploratory play stations can give children access to a wide range of enriching educational experiences in an early learning program.
This article will explore what exploratory play stations are and how they can support a child’s cognitive development. Reach out to the New Horizons educators to learn more about our early learning programs or to take a tour of our learning center.
We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!
What are Exploratory Play Stations?
Exploratory play stations are dedicated classroom areas containing a specific toy or learning materials. Early learning classrooms may have several exploratory play stations for children to explore throughout the day or at specific times of the daily schedule.
Exploratory play stations allow children to choose what they play with. Each station has educational, enriching materials to keep children engaged in their learning.
Playing in an exploratory station allows children to control what they play with, for how long, and how they play. Children may spend some time at a station before moving to the next. Teachers may also guide their children in their play by pairing them with peers or asking them to remain at a station for a certain length of time.
Exploratory Play Station Ideas for the Classroom or Home
Exploratory play stations don’t have to be extensive or elaborate to be effective. Here are some simple play station ideas you can use in the classroom or at home to boost your child’s learning.
Musical toy stations
Put out simple instruments and let children explore their sounds. Maracas, triangles, bongo drums, thumb pianos, ukuleles, and other small instruments make interesting sounds and can keep kids engaged. Don’t interfere or try to teach–just let the kids explore the instruments and make sounds.
Building blocks
Set up a building block station and let children’s imaginations take over. You can use a variety of blocks, including:
- Large cardboard blocks
- Wood blocks
- Legos
- Colorful plastic blocks
Change out the blocks in your stations frequently. To increase the imagination factor even more, add a bin of animals or dinosaurs.
Playdough
Playdough is an incredible sensory activity that can help children develop fine motor skills. Its interesting texture, scent, and colors keep kids engaged for hours. To encourage even more play, add a basket of simple kitchen tools, including spoons, cookie cutters, and small plastic dishes.
Dramatic play
Set up a small dramatic play area. Some simple pretend play scenarios include:
- A veterinary office (a simple doctor’s kit and some stuffed animals)
- A restaurant (menus, dishes, kitchen tools, tables, etc.)
- A bin of dress-up clothing
- An office (computer, phones, desk, etc.)
Engaging in dramatic play activities can keep kids engaged and imagining for hours.
Dollhouses
Dollhouses are a classic toy for a reason. Children develop fine motor skills, use problem-solving skills, and can be creative when setting up a doll house. Simple, sturdy doll houses and a few pieces of furniture and dolls are enough to get their imaginations working.
Cars and trucks
Set up a play area with cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Add ramps, garages, and other accessories to increase the fun. Playing with vehicles can help children learn simple physics and develop fine motor skills, including grip strength. Plus, it is a lot of fun!
Fine motor manipulatives
Exploring manipulatives like counters, cotton balls, dice, and other small objects can help children develop stronger problem-solving and math skills. Place objects of many sizes and shapes alongside a muffin tin or other container with compartments. Children may count or sort these items, or they may play with them in other ways.
Puzzles
Simple puzzles can be a great way to boost children’s observation skills and improve fine motor control. Provide a variety of puzzles, including wood puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and tangrams, to keep kids exploring and learning.
Reading Corner
A reading corner makes a quiet, cozy exploratory play station. A soft rug, pillows or cushions, and small chairs can create a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere. Stock a small shelf or bin with kids’ favorite books and let them relax while developing pre-literacy skills.
Animal habitats
Kids love playing with animals and their habitats. Create an exploratory play station that includes several animal habitats. These could include:
- Arctic animals paired with cotton balls “snow.”
- Dry leaves, twigs, moss, and forest animals, such as raccoons, deer, and squirrels
- Water and ocean animals like fish, octopus, and whales
Change out the animals and environments frequently to keep kids engaged.
Sensory bins
Sensory tables or bins are a great way to introduce new textures, smells, and other sensory experiences to young children. Fill a sensory bin with water, sand, colorful rice, etc. Add small toys or other manipulatives and let children explore.
You can also match the sensory bin to the season. For example, a summer sensory bin may contain sand and beach toys, while a fall-themed sensory table may have dry leaves, acorns, and forest animals.
Science fun
Create a science corner that features a child-safe microscope and slides, shells and magnifying glasses, plastic beakers, and other science equipment, etc. Let children explore, create, and learn while playing.
Creating engaging, exploratory play stations doesn’t have to be challenging. All it takes is a little imagination and a few simple materials. Contact the team at New Horizons Learning Center for more information about exploratory play in the classroom.
Find an Early Learning Program
Reach out to the team at New Horizons to learn more about our early learning programs. Contact us with questions or to schedule a tour of our learning center. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
