Take time to ensure your interest areas are designed to offer children valuable learning experiences. Remember that in some smaller classrooms, you might find two of the interest areas combined. For example, computers might be in the library area rather than having a separate area. Also, some programs have opportunities for cooking activities but, due to local health requirements, may not be able to store ingredients in the classroom. Your classroom may have additional interest areas not included in this list, such as woodworking and writing. Note these additional interest areas as well.

Blocks

  • Is the space away from quiet areas like the library, computer or writing areas?
  • Is the space clearly defined on all sides with shelves or other barriers?
  • Is there a big enough area for several children to build at the same time?
  • Is there a variety of different types of blocks available?
  • Are there toy people, cars, trains, animals or other accessories?
  • Are there materials for writing or labeling structures? Are there books for children to explore structures or building tools?
  • Are shelves labeled so children can find what they need and put it away when finished?

Toys and Games

  • 是儿童将使用它们的空间（表，地毯）旁边的玩具和游戏吗？
  • 玩具和游戏存放，所以孩子们可以自己得到它们吗？
  • Are there some toys and games designed for two children to play together?
  • Is there enough space for children to play without distractions or without having to move?
  • Are toys and games rotated based on children’s interests and learning goals?
  • 是各种难度水平的玩具和游戏（即，更难，更容易玩具）？

戏剧性的游戏

  • Is the space away from quiet areas like the library, computer or writing areas?
  • 是否通过货架或其他障碍在所有两侧清楚地定义的空间？
  • 有几个孩子可以一起玩足够的材料吗？
  • Is there appropriate furniture for children to use in play (table, kitchen, etc.)?
  • Are materials rotated based on children’s interests?
  • Are there literacy and writing materials for children to make grocery lists, write notes, read cookbooks, etc.?
  • Are dress-up clothes free of gender or cultural stereotypes and available to all children?

Art

  • Is the art area near water so children can clean up easily?
  • Are art supplies (smocks, brushes, etc.) stored where children can get them?
  • Are art supplies stored near where they will be used?
  • Is a variety of materials available so children can use their creativity?
  • Are materials available for painting, drawing, sculpting, collaging, etc.?
  • Are materials available for dance, theater and music?
  • 扫盲材料是否可用？

Library

  • Is the library area away from loud areas like blocks and dramatic play?
  • Are there clear boundaries for the library area?
  • 是否有舒适的座位或靠垫阅读？
  • 有各种各样的书(小说,非小说吗, picture books, alphabet books, rhymes)?
  • Are books rotated based on children’s interests and learning goals?
  • Are there accessories like felt boards, listening station or literacy activities?

Music and Movement

  • Is the music and movement area near an electrical outlet (for CD player, etc.)?
  • Is the music and movement area separate from quiet areas like the library?
  • 是可用的乐器，代表不同的文化，声音和经验吗？
  • Are materials available for rhythm or dance (streamers, scarves, etc.)?

Discovery

  • Are there clear boundaries on all sides of the area?
  • Are materials stored on low, open shelves so children can get materials themselves?
  • 在水，窗户或外部门附近的发现区域吗？
  • Are materials rotated based on learning goals and changes in the environment (i.e., seasons, investigations)?
  • 儿童需要探索的工具（放大镜，书写材料，参考书等）吗？

Cooking

  • Is there a space where children can prepare simple snacks with adult supervision?
  • Are any tools that require electricity stored safely?
  • Is the cooking area near a sink?
  • Are tools and utensils stored where children can reach them?
  • Are shelves labeled so children can find what they need and put things away when finished?
  • 简单的食谱是提供的图片吗？

Sand and Water

  • Can the sand and water area be cleaned and refilled easily? Is it near a sink or drain?
  • Is the sand and water area away from quiet areas like the library?
  • Is the sand and water area separated from areas that cannot get wet (like the technology area)?
  • Are materials children need nearby (sinks, smocks, towels, tools for exploring the water, sand or other sensory material, etc.)?
  • Are cleaning tools nearby so spills can be cleaned quickly?
  • Can a variety of sensory materials easily be used here?

Computers

  • Are computers stored away from water?
  • Are all electrical cords secured properly so children do not trip or pull them?
  • Are software or programs available for children to use on their own?
  • Can adults help children use the internet as a reference and resource?
  • Are headphones or other materials stored with the computers?