There is this gasp of joy in the classroom when housekeeping center transforms.  It is my kinders favorite center.  It is my goal to transform this center every two weeks.  I notice that this refreshes the childrens' play as well.   There is an art to this – having enough materials to create new settings!

First, I collect wooden bowls, silver trays, tea pots, and other small items to fill this center.  I love to collect special wooden items, international clothing, tablecloths, napkins, metal goblets – any sweet treasures I might find at a thrift store, garage sale or gift from friends.

Second, I keep about 5 large boxes with items to put into the housekeeping center when there is not a specific theme to set up.   This gives me a large palette of items to choose from and create something special.  I also keep several boxes of fabric to put over the top of my playstands.  (I love saris for this!  Look at your local Indian markets for lovely silk saris – they make amazing covers.)

Third, I avoid ALL plastic toys of any kind.  I do not feel that having a center that mirrors what is at home provides any benefit to my students.  I take extra care to make sure it is nothing like what they have in their own environments.

Finally, the children love to have real things to play with.  I purchased as much “real” adult items as I can that are safe and appropriate for the center.

Here is a peek at some of the treasures currently in the housekeeping center.
housekeeping-center-13

housekeeping-center-14

Nesting dolls and hand-painted wooden bowls are a wonderful find to add to housekeeping.  I like to mix cultures sometimes to give a global atmosphere.  I also buy little wooden spoons.

housekeeping-center-15

There are so many wooden acorn bowls and the like available in thrift stores.  If you start looking, you will find all you could possibly need for a very small investment.

housekeeping-center-16
I have found these little teapots at my local thrift store.  They usually sell for a few bucks and last years.

housekeeping-center-17
housekeeping-center-18

My area has yearly cultural festivals.  I love buying outfits at these gatherings for housekeeping.  The colors and detailing are so magical.

housekeeping-center-19

Candlesticks are a great addition to housekeeping.  I found wooden ones at Hobby Lobby for a few bucks.  I have a wonderful little set of wooden bowls with shell inside that the children enjoy.  There is a hand-carved cup from a student's grandfather.