Joyful Learning in the Early Years: Chez Kindergarten!

Mrs. Oshar and I had noticed the children were expressing an interest in restaurants at the house center last week. We asked them if they'd like to change the house center into a restaurant. They enthusiastically agreed.

First we read a story about restaurants to see what we would need, and how we could act in role while at the center.

After reading the book we brainstormed a list of items we would find in a restaurant. These included utensils, pots, pans, chef hats, chairs, tables, menus, food, pencils, and paper. Then the children helped Mrs. Oshar to sort the materials in the house center into things we needed and things we did not need. While they did that others began to make chef hats at the art table. When the center was ready, customers were lined up and ready to eat!

Taking orders at the take out window...