Preparing the Environment

Key Concepts

Space at a child care classroom is divided into basic activity areas.

Developmentally appropriate programs include outdoor play environments as well as indoor environments.

Objectives

Explain the value of planned indoor and outdoor space.

Name the basic activity areas in a center, along with the functions of each area.

List criteria to consider when choosing playroom furniture and color schemes.

continued

Objectives

Summarize factors that affect the organization of space in a center.

Organize basic activity areas of the classroom and outdoor playground.

Value of Planned Space

Well-planned space provides a physically safe environment areas that promote developmental growth an abundance of materials areas that are easy to supervise pleasant space for both adults and children children easy access to materials comfortable work and play areas

Physical Space

May be divided into seven main areas Entrance Director’s office Isolation area Kitchen or kitchenette Staff room Bathrooms Classroom or playroom

Indoor Environment

The classroom or playroom should be on the ground floor close to an exit have a rectangular shape, allowing optimal

supervision; at least 35 sf. per child have walls with lead-free washable paint include some type of audiovisual board have carpeted flooring have lightweight doors with low handles

continued

Indoor Environment

include acoutstic material to absorb sound have temperature range of 68 – 70 degrees F have 40 – 60 percent humidity place electrical outlets above children’s reach

Furniture

Classroom or playground furniture should be durable, washable, and stackable Chairs Tables Storage units Lockers and cubbies

Discuss

What are some features that the following children’s furniture should have?

Furniture FeaturesChairs

Tables

Storage units

Lockers and cubbies

Color Choices for Child Care Centers

The use of colors can affect how teachers and children feel about their classroom

Room should look good, feel spacious Cool colors: blue, green, and purple

make a room appear larger Warm colors: red, yellow, and orange

make a room seem smaller

Factors That Affect Space Organization

Space should define the scope and limits of activities Licensing requirements Program goals Group size Scale Traffic patterns

Licensing Requirements

All states have their own licensing requirements for child care centers

Common requirements include a minimum number of fire extinguishers all exits must be clear entrance door must open to the outside a minimum number of square feet of space

Program Goals

Based on children’s abilities, age, and skills Stimulate growth and development

Positive self-concept Independence Problem-solving skills Fine-motor coordination Promote self-control

continued

Program Goals

Language skills Prosocial behavior Appreciation of cultural diversity

Group Size

Group size is an important factor to consider when arranging space The more children there are, the more empty

space is needed Plan between one-third and one-half of the

classroom for open space

Reflect

What do you think would be the effect on children’s behavior of too much open space in a classroom area?

The classroom environment must be scaled to the size of its occupants Child-sized furniture Bulletin boards Toilets Water fountains Sinks Pictures

Traffic Patterns

Arrangement of classroom center around the traffic pattern The way people move through the classroom

area Arrange furniture to create useful traffic patterns Program activities affect traffic patterns

Brainstorm

Provide examples of practical traffic patterns in the classroom area.

Organizing Basic Activity Areas

continued

Blockbuildingarea

Artarea

Dramatic playarea

Sensoryarea

Woodworkingarea

Sleepingarea

Smallmanipulative

Languagearea

Musicarea

Privatespace

Sciencearea

Technologyarea

Eatingarea

Provide the ideal environment for active learning

Each activity area is clearly defined, yet flexible

Arrange activity areas by function Wet or dry Active or quiet

continued

Gross-motorMusicWoodworkingBlockbuildingDramatic play

Small manipulative playLibrarySleepingPrivate spaceWriting centerTechnology area

ScienceSensory {sand, water}

ArtEating

Introducing Activity Areas

Children require an introduction to the activity areas in the classroom What materials are in each area Which activities happen in each area Safety and cleanup rules

Learn the routine for using and replacing materials

Reflect

Why do you think it is important to provide an introduction to the activity areas in the classroom?

Blockbuilding Area

Blocks give children practice sorting grouping comparing arranging make decisions cooperating role-playing

Art Area

Place the art area near a water source Groups or individuals can use the area Use tables, chairs, easels, drying racks,

and shelving units that are easy to clean and maintain

Label the materials shelves clearly

Dramatic Play Area

Known as the home living or housekeeping area

For younger children, should be arranged to look like a real home Stove, refrigerator, sink Table and chairs Other props, such as dolls, dress-up costumes,

kitchen utensils, and cleaning tools

Sensory Area

The sensory table (water or sand table) is a key piece of equipment

Place sensory table near the water source Items to provide should be rustproof

Shovels and spoons Sand pails Measuring cups Funnels and strainers

Woodworking Area

Locate near the art area to decorate wood sculptures with paint

This area should be outside the line of traffic Items to provide may include

safety goggles simple tools wood scraps styrofoam pieces

Sleeping Area

Most preschoolers rest or nap after lunch Most states have licensing rules for children

under age 5

Not all programs have separate sleeping areas

Flexible room arrangement is key Allow sufficient space for sleeping Check state regulations (2 ft. between cots)

Small Manipulative Area

Locate in a dry, quiet area of the playroom Items in this area often include

table blocks puzzles plastic building pieces parquetry blocks stringing beads sewing cards

Language Area

Locate in the quietest part of the classroom Items in this area should include

books and magazines paper and markers table and chairs shelving

Music Area

Provide space for moving and dancing Items found in most music areas include

rhythm instruments CDs and players puppets and scarves piano, if space permits guitar or autoharp

Private Space

Provide a space where children can be alone

Lofts are good options The space should

be small allow room for only one

or two children be visible to the teacher

Science Area

Arrange the science area in the wet, active area of the classroom near the light and water source

Most science areas contain at least one table a shelving unit small caged pets project materials

Technology Area

Locate in the quiet, dry part of the classroom Where you place the computers might affect

how often they are used Keep monitors visible throughout the

classroom to increase curiosity facilitate supervision

Eating Area

When space is available, provide a separate eating area

Locate it near the kitchen for easy service easy cleanup

Displaying Children’s Work

Display children’s work throughout the activity areas using bulletin boards wall hangings clothesline appliance boxes

Discuss

What activity areas would promote the following goals?

Goals Activity AreaSelf-control

Independence

Language skills

Problem solving

Social skills

Outdoor Play Environments

In outdoor areas, the required number of sf. per child varies by

state; usually from 75 to 200 sf. per child a rectangular space is most functional U- or L-shaped playgrounds are more difficult

to supervise

Planning the Playground

Consider the following guidelines: equipment should be far apart all equipment should be visible children should not have to walk through one

area to get to another between one-third and one-half of the

playground should be used for play equipment

continued

Planning the playground involves fencing surfaces landscaping storage shed wheeled toy paths

continued

stationary equipment: equipment that is set permanently in the ground for stability

sandbox water animal shelter

Review

Developmentally appropriate child care programs include both _____ and _____ environments.

What five factors affect classroom space organization?

Name six of the twelve activity areas that should be planned separately.

Glossary

acoustic material. Material used to deaden or absorb sounds. Carpets, drapes, bulletin boards, pillows, stuffed toys, and sand are examples.

audiovisual board. A smooth wall board that serves as a bulletin board, chalkboard, and movie screen.

Glossary

cool colors. Colors, such as blue and green, that make a room appear larger and create a feeling of openness.

cubbies. Top sections of lockers used to store finished artwork, library books, parent letters, and other valuable items.

Glossary

isolation area. Special room or space in the center for children who become ill or show signs of a communicable disease.

sensory table. Table in the sensory area that gives children the opportunity to experience the sensations related to water and sand. It also allows them practice in social situations. Also known as a water table or sand table.

Glossary

staff room. Room in a child care center provided for staff to spend work-related time away from the classroom.

stationary equipment. Permanently installed equipment in the playground, such as jungle gyms, slides, and tree houses.

Glossary

traffic pattern. The way in which people move through the classroom area, affecting its arrangement.

warm colors. Colors including red, yellow, and orange that make a room appear smaller.

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