During the day children need time to pursue projects and make choices within the prepared classroom environment. During these times of sustained play and exploration, children choose from activities across the classroom areas, including: art, sensory play, blocks building, dramatic play, fine motor work, writing and drawing, math manipulatives, classroom library, etc. Shelves and centers set up with intentionally designed compelling materials will draw children to make choices, engage with them for longer periods of time, and revisit materials that reinforce key skills.
Explicit presentations of how to set up a work space, access materials, use materials, reset materials, and put them away all serve to support children to make their own choices; and to work and succeed independently.