Hang a sign labeling each area above the center. A long corridor of open space invites running. A large number of materials on a shelf may be distracting to children who are not used to making choices. Group similar materials in proximity to each other. For example, tubs of small manipulative materials might be shelved together in one unit, puzzles displayed on shelves of another.
Pictures provide visual cues which help children remember where items belong.
Clean up becomes a learning experience. Later in the year, pictures may be paired with the printed word so that children begin to naturally develop sight word associations with materials and picture symbols. A sand timer is a helpful prop. Children are more willing to share if they know that they will have a turn and can see the time passing in a concrete fashion. The chart helps children to remember what comes next providing them with a sense of security and control.