* Literacy Centers & Social Learning Time

One of our favorite parts of the day is Social Choice Time. This is a time when we can use our imagination and creativity! During this time of the day we add literacy to our play. To learn more about Literacy Centers click here.

During this time of the day we learn to share and take turns. We learn about our community of friends.

We use these activities to build vocabulary and communication skills. We do lots of writing about this time of the day. We write before, during and after. We enjoy reading about our time together.

This is our teacher's favorite poem...

Just Play
By Anita Wadley
From Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul Copyright 1999 by Jack Canfield and Mark V Hansen
When I'm building in the block room, Please don't say I'm "just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. About balance and shapes.
When I'm getting all dressed-up, Setting the table, caring for the babies. Don't get the idea I'm "just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint, Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay, Please don't let me hear you say "He's just playing." For you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm expressing myself and being creative. I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair Reading to an imaginary audience, Please don't laugh and think I'm "just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, Or packing my pockets with choice things I find, Don't pass it off as "just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle, Or some "plaything" at my school, Please don't feel the time is wasted in "play." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods, Please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is "just play." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to follow directions and see differences. I may be a chef someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body, Please don't say I'm "just playing." For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning how my body works. I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I've done at school today, And I say, "I played." Please don't misunderstand me. For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in work. I'm preparing for tomorrow. Today, I'm a child and my work is play.