1. Preparing the Environment
Chapter 9
Preparing the Environment

2. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23. 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

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

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

26. Discuss
What activity areas would promote the following goals? (use handout Value of Activity Areas: Ch 9)