Promoting Social Emotional Competence PROMOTING CHILDREN’S SUCCESS: PURPOSE AND IMPACT OF CLASSROOM ARRANGEMENT

2

Discussion: Not that Store! Think of a store you where you hate to shop Imagine yourself in that store. Think about what really bothers you about shopping there Do any of these characteristics apply to early elementary classrooms? How might children behave when the classroom has these characteristics? Activity from Room Arrangement as a Teaching Strategy, Dodge & Kittredge,

Discussion: Comfortable & Content Imagine you are any place in the world that makes you comfortable and content, at no expense and with no worries. Take a few moments to imagine yourself in that place. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations Identify the essential qualities of that place – what drew you to it? 4 Activity from Room Arrangement as a Teaching Strategy, Dodge & Kittredge, 2004

Goal of Classroom Arrangement Places that are attractive, comfortable, and well organized have a positive effect on behavior, feelings, and the ability to work efficiently and productively. 5 Room Arrangement as a Teaching Strategy, Dodge & Kittredge, 2004

Discussion: Why Should I ?? 6 “I’ve got my classroom set up the way I like it. Making changes to the environment doesn’t influence behavior.” From PIES Workbook, Laura Riffel, 2009

Tom Zeit, October

Classroom Arrangement The physical arrangement of your classroom impacts your learning environment in 2 ways: 8 1. Promoting engagement 2. Preventing challenging behavior

Classroom Arrangement and Design: Traffic Patterns Minimize large open spaces Minimize obstacles and other hazards Consider the needs of children with physical and sensory disabilities 9

Classroom Arrangement and Design: Learning Centers Physical Design Clear boundaries Visibility Visual prompts when centers are not an option Adequate number of centers Size and location of centers Number of children in centers Organization of materials Preparation of centers 10

11

Classroom Arrangement and Design: Learning Centers Create meaningful and engaging learning centers Relevant to children’s needs, interests, and lives Highly engaging and interesting Variety of materials in each center Changed and rotated on a regular basis 12

Create Meaningful and Engaging Learning Areas Stand in center of the room Is there a clear entry to each center? Is each center inviting? Are there enough materials (3 units of play per child allowed in center)? Is there a system in place for entering and exiting centers? Are centers and materials/shelves labeled? Is there a rotation of materials? Are materials highly engaging? Are the activities relevant to children’s needs, interests and lives? 13

Discuss these two writing centers. Physical Environment: Strengths? Concerns? 14

15 Activity: Action Planning Think of your classroom. What can you change to create a more supportive environment? Think of a child who has more significant challenging behavior. What could you change in your environment to help support that child?

Questions? 16