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

  • 玩具和游戏是否存放在儿童使用的空间（桌子、地毯）旁边？
  • 玩具和游戏是否存放好让孩子们自己拿？
  • 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?
  • 是否有各种不同难度的玩具和游戏（例如，更难和更容易的玩具）？

戏剧

  • Is the space away from quiet areas like the library, computer or writing areas?
  • 空间是否由架子或其他障碍物清晰地界定？
  • 有足够的材料让几个孩子一起玩吗？
  • 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?
  • 有识字材料吗？

Library

  • Is the library area away from loud areas like blocks and dramatic play?
  • Are there clear boundaries for the library area?
  • 有舒适的座位或坐垫供阅读吗？
  • 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?
  • 有代表不同文化、声音和经历的乐器吗？
  • 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?
  • 探索区靠近水面，是通向外面的窗户还是门？
  • Are materials rotated based on learning goals and changes in the environment (i.e., seasons, investigations)?
  • 孩子们是否有探索所需的工具（放大镜、书写材料、参考书等）？

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?
  • 提供简单的食谱和图片吗？

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?