Preparing the Environment Chapter 8 Preparing the Environment

Preparing the Environment In this chapter, you will learn about value of planned space physical space furniture color choices for child care centers factors that affect space organization organizing basic activity areas outdoor play area www.childproofing.org/cslzindex.html

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.

Objectives Summarize factors that affect the organization of space in a center. Organize basic activity areas of the classroom and outdoor play yard.

Terms to Know isolation area staff room audiovisual board acoustic material cubbies cool colors warm colors traffic pattern sensory table stationary equipment

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 space that is easy to supervise space that is pleasing to the eyes easy access to materials space for working and playing

Physical Space The physical space of the center may be divided into seven main areas: entrance director’s office isolation area kitchen or kitchenette staff room bathrooms classroom or playroom

Classroom or Playground The classroom or playground 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

Furniture Classroom or playground furniture should be durable, washable, and stackable. Chairs Tables Storage units Lockers and cubbies Cubbies: top section of lockers

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

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

Factors That Affect Space Organization When planning classroom space, many factors should be considered. These will affect how the classroom is organized. Licensing requirements Program goals Group size Scale Traffic patterns

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

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

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?

Scale The classroom environment must be scaled to the size of its occupants. Bulletin boards Toilets Water fountains Sinks Pictures

Traffic Patterns Traffic pattern: the way people move through the classroom area Arrange furniture to create useful traffic patterns.

Brainstorm Provide examples of impractical traffic patterns in the classroom area.

Organizing Basic Activity Areas Classrooms organized according to activity areas provide the ideal environment for active learning.

Introducing Activity Areas Children require an introduction to the activity areas in the classroom. Materials Activities Safety and cleanup rules

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

Blockbuilding Area The best location for blockbuilding should be on a carpeted area. Blocks give children the opportunity to sort arrange make decisions cooperate

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.

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

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

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

Sleeping Area Most preschool children rest or nap after lunch. Not all programs have separate sleeping areas. It is necessary to allow sufficient space for sleeping. Some states require that two feet of open space exist between cots.

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 stringing beads sewing cards

Library 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

Music Area Space should be provided for moving and dancing. Items found in almost all music areas include tapes records puppets scarves

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

Science Area Should be placed Most science areas contain 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

Technology Area Should be in the quiet, dry part of the classroom Where you place the computer might affect how often children use it Keep the monitor visible throughout the classroom to increase curiosity facilitate supervision

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

Displaying Children’s Work The work of children should be displayed throughout the activity areas using bulletin boards wall hangings clothesline appliance boxes

Discuss What activity areas would promote the following goals?

Outdoor Play Area Like indoor areas, the play yard needs to be studied in terms of use and then broken into areas. Considerations: 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 yard should be used for play equipment

Planning the Play Yard Planning the play yard involves fencing surfaces landscaping storage shed wheeled toy paths sandbox water animal shelter Stationary equipment: equipment that is set permanently in the ground for stability

Summary Properly organized space is the key to proper learning: Provides children the option of working alone or cooperatively Frees the children to play without interruptions Provides children with choices

Summary Space should reflect children’s developmental needs and interests as well as program goals. In such a space, children are more relaxed and positive children feel good about themselves teachers can spend more time nurturing and less time redirecting children’s behavior