Common Application of Playthings in Learning Areas

Language Corner (語文角)

  • Its function is to facilitate children’s language development.

  • Children can:

    • Read and recognize words (literacy) (can provide various types of papers)

    • Listen to story (can provide audio-recoding, headphone, etc.)

    • Read story and play story domino (can provide puppets, puppet platform etc.)

    • Involve in word-making games, newspaper clipping, etc.

    • Make use of the information in the language corner for pretend play content, for example, planning the plot and menu, writing medical record, and making coins, etc.

Math or Play Corner (數學或益智角)

  • Its functions are to enhance children’s problem-solving skills and other cognitive skills such as counting, sequencing, categorising, matching, etc.

  • Games and materials include:

    • Card games with rules, such as classification cards, matching cards, sequencing cards, etc.

    • Board games, such as maze, monopoly, chess games, etc.

    • Small-scale construction games, such as Lego, blocks, Smart Game, etc.

    • Logic games, such as Puzzles, blocks, number sticks, etc.

Discovery Corner (探索角)

  • Its functions are to allow children involve in sensorial and explorative learning , and to arouse children’s curiosity in Science and apply scientific procedures to explore the nature and phenomena.

  • Materials include:

    • Basic equipment, such as thermometer, dropper, magnifying glass, measuring ruler, measuring cup, record book, etc.

    • Manipulative tool, such as gears, clockwork toys, magnets, mirrors, broken clocks, etc. (for explore/disassemble)

    • Observable plants or petri dish, such as seed sprout, tuber sprout, etc.

    • Observable animals, such as water tank, inset tank, etc.

Constructive Corner (建構角)

  • Its functions is to allow children explore the materials or objects around them and learns how to create intentionally with them.

  • Materials include blocks, Legos, gears, magnetic boards, etc.

Fine Motor Training Corner (自理訓練角) or Manipulative corner (操作角)

  • Its functions are to let children get sensory satisfaction from manipulation and that promote hand and eye coordination and fine motor skills.

  • Materials include screwing, threading, cutting, clipping, etc.

Arts Corner (Tools and Loose Parts) (圖工角)

  • Its functions are to provide opportunities and materials for children to create something and develop their creativity and imagination.

  • Materials include:

    • Diverse art materials, such as easel, crayons, watercolor pends, scissors, glue, adhesive paper, etc.

    • Various materials, such as paper, playdough, wood board, etc.

    • Various recycling materials, such as sponge, paper cup, carton, straw, etc.

    • Protecting and cleaning equipment, such as apron, broom, table cloth, etc.

    • Picture albums, sculpture, picture cards, etc. can be placed for children’s reference.

Pretend or Family Corner (家庭/扮演角)

  • Its functions are to let children through role play express their emotions, use imagination and solve problems. It also encourages cooperative play and social behaviors.

  • Props include recycled or imitated clothing, cooking utensils, cabinet, mirror, comb, wallet, telephone, dolls, table, etc.

References

  • 周淑惠 (2013): 《遊戲 vs. 課程:幼兒遊戲定位與實施》,台北: 心理出版社股份有限公司。