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Activity Area Compatibility Some curriculum activities are naturally compatible and others are not, so balancing environmental factors such as quiet/noisy or messy/dry is important (Conant, 2012; Swim, 2012). In a typical learning environment, noise and interaction levels will naturally vary depending on the type of activity. For example, it is not unusual for dramatic play […]

Which space encourages whole-group activities vs. small-group or individual interactions? A description of what you  identify as the theme for the readings. The theme should draw from  all of the readings attached in Files and provide a brief  summary of the authors’ main points. You should respond critically to   “Sensoy & DiAngelo: Chapter 5 (PP.

Sign for Easel Painting Center “Crowd control” can be facilitated by providing picture/symbol signs that indicate the capacity for each learning center. In this picture, three children may paint in the easel center at one time. Young children dont have a well-developed sense of time; they also become deeply involved in activities and may resist

Promoting Independence and Responsibility Spaces for early learning are designed to encourage independence and maximize the amount of time you can devote to interacting or observing work/play in progress (Carter & Carter, 2003; Gestwicki, 2011). Carefully arranging sorted materials in open baskets or clear totes on accessible shelves helps children know where things belong and

Designated Activity Areas and Capacity Limits The number and size of learning centers depends on curriculum priorities as well as classroom and group size. We want to maximize childrens opportunities to make choices and work/play independently but also minimize conflicts over materials and space (Gestwicki, 2011; Swim, 2012). Each learning center should be equipped and

Which one provides clear dividing lines between activity areas? Floor Plans These two spaces represent contrasting approaches to design, one which encourages running indoors (Room A) and the other (Room B) with distinct pathways to direct children’s movements. Sensitivity to Physical Features Teachers should be aware of the major permanent features of the physical space

Variations by Age In an infant classroom, you would expect to see furniture and designated areas for diapering, feeding, sleeping, and playing with babies. A mobile might be suspended over a crib or floor mat in the childs line of sight, as infants spend some of their time lying on their backs looking up. Furniture

What General Principles Should Guide Environmental Planning? More From the Field Director Lucia Garay describes the elements of planning that result in an effective learning environment. Critical Thinking Question Lucia says, “the environment becomes the curriculum.” What does she mean by that? Early childhood space planning is guided by general principles adapted to the specific

Does Your Curriculum Dictate or Provide Direction? Given the innumerable different kinds of locations, classroom shapes, sizes, and building designs, it would be almost impossible for a curriculum to dictate exactly what a classroom or care space should look like. Curricula do, however, to varying degrees, implicitly or explicitly suggest and guide decisions about what

Creating a Physical Environment for Your Curriculum Susan Woog-Wagner / Getty Images Children use a variety of materials to explore concepts about water, including different-sized containers (in which they can pour the water back and forth) and objects that sink and float. The physical environment is a powerful messenger, and “every environment implies a set