For the first 5 minutes of class, complete your learning center drawings. When finished, put your name on the back and turn in to the bucket. We will then go to the computer lab for 10 minutes. Your task, while there, is to find and print off a picture of a preschool / daycare classroom. Do not put your name on it. Give it to Mrs. Dickson

Indoor Learning Environments

Objectives Explain the value of planned indoor space Name basic activity areas in a center, along with the functions of each area List criteria to consider when choosing playroom furniture and color schemes Summarize factors that affect organization of space in a center Organize basic activity areas of the classroom

Why is planning space important? Welcoming and visually pleasing Conveys a sense of order Encourages children to use materials and do things for themselves Respects childrens curiosity and nurtures a desire to explore Molds their behavior by setting boundaries SAFETY

Goals of a well planned space A physically safe environment for children Provides children with areas that promote the four developmental areas Provide an abundance of materials so children can make choices Provides adults with a space that is easy to supervise Provides a visually pleasing space Easy access to materials High activity areas and low stress – children can work and play comfortably.

What are the effects of space on the children in a classroom? What are the effects on the teacher?

Physical Space Entrance Directors office Isolation area Kitchen Staff room Bathroom Classroom or playroom

Entrance Attractive Appealing May want to have plants, childrens artwork and a bulletin board Chairs and sofas if space permits

Directors Office Just inside centers entrance Store records and PR materials here Also be used for family interviews and conferences Helpful to have a small table and chairs in there

Isolation Area A special room for children who become ill or show signs of a communicable disease Most state require one Should contain a cot and a few toys If there is not enough space, a cot may be placed in directors office

Kitchen Sink Refrigerator Stove Inspected by local health department Vinyl coverings and ceramic tile are recommended

Staff Room Contain a locked up storage space for personal belongings Coat rack Sofa Tables / desks Computer, phone, etc. for communications Should be private

Bathrooms Most states require at least one toilet for every 10 children, but it is better to have more Size of toilet fixtures varies by age of child If small toilets are unavailable, get a step stool For safety, put water heater that supplies childrens bathrooms on low heat Tile floors are recommended; avoid waxing

Indoor Environment Close to an exit Rectangular room allows for optimal supervision NAEYC recommends 35 square feet per child Walls painted with lead free, washable paint Bulletin boards, chalkboards or audiovisual boards should be eye level with children Tightly woven carpet on floors

Grab a ruler and measure my room. Would it measure up to state requirements for a child care center?

What would be the advantages of carpeting the entire preschool center? What would be the disadvantages?

Windows to where children can see outside Screens should be on all windows All windows should have opening capability in case of a fire Doors should be lightweight and should push out to open Doorknobs should be low enough for children to reach

Keep a comfortable temperature, around 68 to 70 degrees Electrical outlets should be kept above childrens reach and safety caps should be inserted when they are not being used

Furniture Durable Washable Stackable Adjustable Chairs should be the proper height for children Classroom tables should be hard and smooth Tables should be light enough to move

Most preschools have tables that are large enough to seat four to six kids. Rectangular tables offer children their own space and reduces chances for aggression Storage for materials should be organized for easy access Arrange storage to encourage children to independently remove and return materials

If doors are needed on storage units, sliding doors are the best Each child should have their own locker/cubby Lockers should be labeled with a photo or other visual clue, and their name Lockers should be placed near the entrance

Color Selection Select colors that make a room look pleasant and feel spacious To do this, use cool colors Studies show that children prefer warm colors until age 6 If the room does not have light, you might want to use a warm color to make the room appear brighter

White is a good color to use for eating, isolation, administration, reading and bathroom Blue or a light cool color in nap, reading, eating or isolation area Yellow in art and music areas Limit orange, red and purple

What else could you do to add color and interest to your room?

Traffic Patterns Arrangement of a classroom centers around traffic patterns Children should be able to walk from center to center without going through the middle of other areas

Organizing Basic Activity Areas Wet Active Dry Quiet Science/Sensory (Sand or water) Gross – motor Music Woodworking Block building Dramatic play Art Eating Small manipulative play Library Sleeping Private space Writing center Technology area