At SIS Männedorf-Zürich, all the kindergarten rooms have structured areas for free play including a role-play area, quiet corner, drawing and writing area, and a creative and construction centre. The provision in these areas is changed and developed regularly to engage and stimulate the children’s thinking, ideas and skills. For example, the writing area includes a range of writing implements for the children to explore: texture, colour and shade to explore different ways of making marks and writing. Stencils, stickers, paper punches, different types of paper rulers and so forth are introduced to encourage involvement and creativity.
The same occurs in the role-play area as it changes from a home to a restaurant to an office. The quiet area has its books regularly changed to follow the topic and its music CDs changed to incorporate different types of music and stories. Each area in the classroom is carefully thought out and prepared. The resources and equipment are rotated and prepared to inspire interaction and connection to the learning goals and encourage independent learning so that the children have the opportunity of free choice and to follow their own learning path.