March is typically a month where preschoolers explore colors, weather, rainbows, St. Patrick's day, Spring, and things that grow. The Toy and Puzzle Area is a place where children can explore all of these concepts through play, and in playing, develop fine motor skills, communication and language, social problem solving, practical problem solving, etc. in addition to general thematic information.
You will see opportunities for children to build with Gears! Gears! Gears! and Education K'nex Transportation. Rainbow cubes, fabric pieces, robot men, and cotton balls are "loose parts" that children can use to enhance building play or use as a stand-alone activity. Loose parts are wonderful for generating symbolic thinking in children as they use the manipulatives to represent something real.
The children also have options of puzzles, increasing from simple peg puzzles, to three-dimensional puzzles, up to 24 piece puzzles and even floor puzzles. Geometry, number identification, spatial awareness, size, and quantity is emphasized through play with geometric stackers and lacing beads. Finally, the Toy and Puzzle Area is often home to small group games. This month, children can choose to play Gardening BINGO where they can match pictures and learn new vocabulary related to growing plants, fruits, and vegetables.
Indeed, the Toy and Puzzle Area is one of Ms. Harmony's favorite places to work!
