© 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 6 Developmentally Appropriate Physical Environments for Preschoolers

© 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. What Preschoolers Need A sense of initiative Socialization to norms of behavior A sense of identity within the social context Self-control Emphasis on emergent literacy skills

© 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Prescott’s Dimensions of an Environment Soft/hard Open/closed Simple/complex Intrusive/secluded Allows high mobility/allows low mobility Risky/safe Suitable for large group/suitable for individual

© 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Preschool Environments

© 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Schedule Predictable Flexible Balances child-initiated time-blocks with those that are teacher-initiated Balances active and quiet, and indoor and outdoor activities Reasonably paced for children’s participation Recognizes developmental differences in attention span

© 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Transitions Notify in advance Provide familiar cues Help to understand what to do next Use adult play to begin the next activity Minimize chaos Give children classroom responsibilities or opportunities to assist peers

© 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. The Kindergarten Dilemma Academic programs Readiness and testing Full-day programs