• Developing Early Childhood Basic Math Skills Through Interactive Learning Centers in the UAE

While play is central to early childhood learning, learning centers are designed to meet specific educational goals. They provide hands-on, interactive experiences that combine play and instruction. These centers promote individual or small-group participation, supporting lesson reinforcement and skill development. This study explores the impact of incorporating learning centers into primary classrooms in the United Arab Emirates to enhance the development of basic mathematical skills. The objective was to examine the effects of learning centers on second-grade students’ basic math skills through a comparative study. A group of 21 students participated in learning center activities, while 20 students received traditional teaching. Additionally, seven teachers were surveyed to explore their perceptions of learning centers. A mixed-methods research design was employed, utilizing pre-tests, post-tests, teacher surveys, and observation notes to measure students' progress and gather educators' perceptions of the classroom dynamics. The findings revealed that students who engaged in learning center activities demonstrated statistically significant improvements in their mathematical abilities. Teachers reported increased engagement, motivation, and hands-on learning among students. However, challenges such as limited classroom space, lack of resources, and time constraints were identified. These findings highlight the significant impact of learning centers in early childhood mathematics education, emphasizing their value in promoting a more engaging and meaningful learning experience.