Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds

Playful Learning Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space

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 Inside: Short on space? Come see how we set up our preschool science area using a small area on top of a bookshelf!

It’s amazing how we are quick to think we are limited when our classroom or living space is small.

“I can’t do that. My room is too small.”

But you can be creative with small areas, especially when it comes to creating a preschool science area.

All you need is a small table or the top of a counter or bookshelf.

The key is keeping this area clutter-free and swapping the materials every week or so.

It can be done!

Short on space? Come see how we set up our preschool science area using a small area on top of a bookshelf!

How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space

 

 

I am often asked how a science center can be set up in a small preschool (or home) space.

Our classroom is on the smaller side, so we have to make good use out of every square inch.

After moving it around a few times, we decided the best spot for our science space would be on top of our block shelf. It’s just the right size for a small display and is at the children’s level.

 

 

 

 

 

How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space

“Because they are ready to learn about the everyday world, young children are highly engaged when they have the opportunity to explore.” 
 {Young Children, September 2002}
 

How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space

I like the idea of science near the block area. Both centers have a variety of natural materials to explore.
 How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space
ˆWe also wanted it to be near a window to take advantage of the natural light. (Note: the “science center” label is a free printable you can find here.)
How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space
We like to display books that relate to the science display. These can be reference books or picture books.
How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space
We make sure to have tools available to assist exploration. A magnifying glass hangs on a hook next to the science shelf.
How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space
For this particular science center, I cut a shoe organizer into sections and used one of them to hang in the window. We displayed pieces of nature.
How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space
We love to work with the natural light, hanging materials that will reflect the sun.
Edited: Fast forward a few years, and we now have an actual science area. It still doesn’t take up much space but allows the children to sit at a table while exploring.


 

 

How to Set Up a Preschool Science Area in a Small Space

 

 

 

More science centers to look at:

 

 

More Science Activities:

10 Toddler Science Activities that are Full of Fun

7 Preschool Science Experiments that Explore Gravity

10 Preschool Science Activities that are Fun

 

Check out our favorite science products!

preschool science products

 

 

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About Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl Cooper is the founder of Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, a website full of activities for toddlers and preschoolers. She has been teaching this age group for over 20 years and loves to share her passion with teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone with young children in their lives.

Comments

  5. Anonymous says

    I need to come up with some idesfor science for my 3 yeaar olds that is not related to plants or magnuts

  6. Yvonne says

    I am also a teacher and I was wondering how can I improve my science area in my class. My problem is my science area is NOT by the window. My kitchen area and block area takes up the two windows I have in my classroom. So far I just have pine cones on the table and leafs that are taped down. I teach 2 year olds. I need help. Any ideas?

    • Sheryl says

      Keep it simple with 2s. It’s okay if it’s not by a window. Think about the 5 senses when displaying materials for 2s. They love to touch. Pine cones and leaves are perfect! Think about seasons and change things out according to what’s available in your area seasonally. Have fun with it!

  7. Jacquie says

    I love the use of the window space! It allows light to highlight the items and brings light into the mix too — lovely space!