Value of Planned Space The goals for well-planned space include
providing a physically safe environment areas that promote
cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth an abundance of
materials space that is easy to supervise space that is pleasing to
the eyes easy access to materials space for working and
playing
Slide 3
Indoor Environment The classroom or playroom should be on the
ground floor close to an exit have a rectangular shape, allowing
optimal supervision have enough space for children and for a
variety of materials and equipment
Slide 4
Furniture Classroom or playground furniture should be durable,
washable, and stackable. Chairs Tables Storage units Lockers and
cubbies Cubbies: top section of lockers
Slide 5
Discuss What are some features that the following childrens
furniture should have?
Slide 6
Color Choices for Child Care Centers The use of colors can
affect how teachers and children feel about their classroom. Cool
colors: make a room appear larger Blue Green Purple Warm colors:
make a room seem smaller Red Yellow Orange
Slide 7
Licensing Requirements All states have their own licensing
requirements for child care centers. Common requirements: 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
Slide 8
Program Goals Caregivers concerned with all development areas
might select the program goals that promote positive self-concept
independence problem-solving skills fine-motor coordination
gross-motor coordination self-control language skills prosocial
behavior appreciation of cultural diversity
Slide 9
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.
Slide 10
Scale The classroom environment must be scaled to the size of
its occupants. Bulletin boards Toilets Water fountains Sinks
Pictures
Slide 11
Traffic Patterns Traffic pattern: the way people move through
the classroom area Arrange furniture to create useful traffic
patterns.
Slide 12
Organizing Basic Activity Areas Classrooms organized according
to activity areas provide the ideal environment for active
learning.
Slide 13
Introducing Activity Areas Children require an introduction to
the activity areas in the classroom. Materials Activities Safety
and cleanup rules Why do you think it is important to provide an
introduction to the activity areas in the classroom?
Slide 14
Blockbuilding Area The best location for blockbuilding should
be on a carpeted area. Blocks give children the opportunity to sort
arrange make decisions cooperate
Slide 15
Art Area Place the art area near a water source. Arrange the
space so either 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 shelves with the materials found
there.
Slide 16
Dramatic Play Area The dramatic play area is also known as the
home living or housekeeping area. For younger children, this area
should be arranged to look like a real home. Stove Refrigerator
Table Chairs Sink
Slide 17
Sensory Area The key piece of equipment in the sensory area is
the sensory table. Sensory table: a water or sand table Place
sensory table near the water source. Items used in the sensory
table: shovels spoons sand pails measuring cups
Slide 18
Woodworking Area Locate the woodworking area near the art area
to facilitate the decoration of wood sculptures. Place this area
outside the line of traffic. Items used in the woodworking area:
wood scraps styrofoam pieces
Slide 19
Small Manipulative Area The small manipulative area should be
located in a dry, quiet area of the playroom. Items you may wish to
have in this area: table blocks puzzles plastic building pieces
parquetry blocks sewing cards
Slide 20
Language Area Should be located in the quietest part of the
classroom In addition to providing books and magazines, you may
want to promote language arts Paper Pen Pencils Felt-tip
markers
Slide 21
Music Area Space should be provided for moving and dancing.
Items found in almost all music areas include tapes CDs puppets
scarves
Slide 22
Private Space Provide a private area in the classroom where
children can be alone. The private space should be small allow room
for only one or two children
Slide 23
Science Area Should be placed in the wet, active area of the
classroom near the light and water source Most science areas
contain tables shelving units small caged pets project
materials
Slide 24
Eating Area When spaces are available, it is recommended to
provide a separate eating area. It should be located near the
kitchen to facilitate service cleanup
Slide 25
Displaying Childrens Work The work of children should be
displayed throughout the activity areas using bulletin boards wall
hangings clothesline appliance boxes
Slide 26
Discuss What activity areas would promote the following goals?
(use handout Value of Activity Areas: Ch 9)