![]() Rather it is to create an environment that is meaningful to the children,” (Duncan, Martin, and Kreth, 2016, p. “The ideal, connected approach is not to simply fill classroom spaces. HomelikeĬhildren are more likely to feel they can be themselves and have a sense of belonging when their classroom environment feels like home. One of the best ways you can communicate to children that your classroom is “a good place to be” is through the small touches you place throughout the room that express the personality of the group. In Lesson One, we addressed that high-quality preschool programs send numerous positive messages to children. Designing Spaces for Learning Video not available Learn about spaces for group activities, privacy, and storage and display. Think about the ways your environment already addresses the suggestions and reflect on changes that could be made. The following video discusses these kinds of storage. Storing and displaying artwork and portfolios sends powerful messages to children about the value of their work and helps you do your job more effectively. It is also important to plan for storage and display of children’s assessment materials and artwork. It is important to plan for at least three kinds of storage in a preschool classroom: open storage for children to access, closed storage for teacher materials, and storage for personal belongings (Dodge et al., 2016). Preschool classrooms require many materials! Toys, books, games, and other resources are regularly rotated in and out of active use. In some cultures, too much or too little personal space may make a child feel uncomfortable and could cause unwanted behaviors (Kaiser, B. ![]() ![]() Space is very important and can enhance or hinder a child’s learning. Nametags, seat cushions, mats, or other simple markers can help define a child’s individual space within the group. For a preschool child, this might mean knowing where and how to sit, where to focus attention, and what to do. We all feel better when we know how to be successful. Regardless of where you meet, it is important to think from a child’s point of view. Just make sure there is enough space for everybody to sit comfortably. In other classrooms, the library or music and movement area is a natural home for large group activities. Simply covering the shelves with sheets, flipping around shelves on wheels, or adding a stop sign can help minimize distractions and support children’s successful engagement with the group. Teachers can get creative with these spaces! The block area can be a perfect space for large-group activities. Morning meetings and story times build classroom community and literacy skills. Places for Group ActivitiesĪlthough children learn primarily through play, it is also important to plan areas for large-group meetings or activities. This type of learning can be supported through learning centers with flexible spaces, open-ended materials, and a daily schedule. Emergent inquiry can be described as learning that evolves as the interests of the children change and they make new discoveries about the world around them. Consider how to set up your classroom with emergent inquiry in mind. In your preschool classroom, you will need spaces for group activities, privacy, storage, and display. However, when designing or redesigning your classroom space, it is also important to consider logistics, aesthetics, organization, and the needs of all children in the space. In the first lesson, we introduced general ideas to consider when designing environments for preschoolers, and key classroom interest areas that foster learning. A carefully planned environment can help preschoolers feel calm and secure, while at the same time, engaged, and inquisitive. ![]() As discussed in Lesson One, environments send powerful messages.
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