Classroom space and materials are organized in distinct interest centers to support young preschoolers' initiative to practice their new skills, test things out, and express their ideas and feelings. These centers are set up to encourage preschoolers to select activities, engage in hands-on exploration and pretend play, and develop the ability to play cooperatively. Small muscles and hand-eye coordination continue to be strengthened through art activities, sand and water play, work with manipulative toys, and blocks. The daily schedule includes many activities for large muscle development. Stories and books are used to increase familiarity with the meaning of letters and words (emerging literacy) and to foster the idea of reading as a pleasurable activity.