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9. 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. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Preparing the Environment
9
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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.
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Objectives
Summarize factors that affect the organization of space in a center.
Organize basic activity areas of the classroom and outdoor playground.
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Physical Space
May be divided into seven main areas Entrance Director’s office Isolation area Kitchen or kitchenette Staff room Bathrooms Classroom or playroom
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Furniture
Classroom or playground furniture should be durable, washable, and stackable Chairs Tables Storage units Lockers and cubbies
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Discuss
What are some features that the following children’s furniture should have?
Furniture FeaturesChairs
Tables
Storage units
Lockers and cubbies
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Factors That Affect Space Organization
Space should define the scope and limits of activities Licensing requirements Program goals Group size Scale Traffic patterns
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Program Goals
Language skills Prosocial behavior Appreciation of cultural diversity
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Reflect
What do you think would be the effect on children’s behavior of too much open space in a classroom area?
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Scale
The classroom environment must be scaled to the size of its occupants Child-sized furniture Bulletin boards Toilets Water fountains Sinks Pictures
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Brainstorm
Provide examples of practical traffic patterns in the classroom area.
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Organizing Basic Activity Areas
continued
Blockbuildingarea
Artarea
Dramatic playarea
Sensoryarea
Woodworkingarea
Sleepingarea
Smallmanipulative
area
Languagearea
Musicarea
Privatespace
Sciencearea
Technologyarea
Eatingarea
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Organizing Basic Activity Areas
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Organizing Basic Activity Areas
Gross-motorMusicWoodworkingBlockbuildingDramatic play
Small manipulative playLibrarySleepingPrivate spaceWriting centerTechnology area
ScienceSensory {sand, water}
ArtEating
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
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Reflect
Why do you think it is important to provide an introduction to the activity areas in the classroom?
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Blockbuilding Area
Blocks give children practice sorting grouping comparing arranging make decisions cooperating role-playing
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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)
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Eating Area
When space is available, provide a separate eating area
Locate it near the kitchen for easy service easy cleanup
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
Displaying Children’s Work
Display children’s work throughout the activity areas using bulletin boards wall hangings clothesline appliance boxes
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Discuss
What activity areas would promote the following goals?
Goals Activity AreaSelf-control
Independence
Language skills
Problem solving
Social skills
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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
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Planning the Playground
Planning the playground involves fencing surfaces landscaping storage shed wheeled toy paths
continued
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Planning the Playground
stationary equipment: equipment that is set permanently in the ground for stability
sandbox water animal shelter
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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.
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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.
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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.
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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.
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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.
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.
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.