Isn't a classroom suppose to be a fun, safe and learning environment for learners? There must be several steps that a teacher must take first before they decide their classroom layout/design, activities and structure.
Several steps in classroom arrangement:
- Teachers must consider the amount of space in the room.
- Teachers should have a clear view of the whole room.
- Each learning center should be separate and defined.
- Everything should be labeled with large bold words and pictures.
- Set up materials on eye level with students to encourage independence so that students may receive and clean up their materials and place them back in appropriate place.
- Provide a child proof safe environment (safety locks on cabinets with cleaning supplies, plug covers, safe edge corner cushion for sharp table edges).
- Provide age appropriate toys, materials and activities.
These steps may seem simple but some thought must be into the design, arrangement and overall learning environment.
Some websites for guiding a teacher to organize and design a classroom and provide activities for toddlers and elementary school students:
http://www.childcarelounge.com/environments/room-arrangement.php
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/top-teaching/2013/09/4-classroom-organization-ideas-really-work
http://www.preschoolexpress.com/toddler_station-anytime.shtml
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/creativity-in-classroom-trisha-riche
The websites listed above are some tips and ideas for providing a creative, active learning classroom. Activities are also a big part of the learning experience. These activities displayed in the preschool express website includes fine motor and gross motor skills, self-awareness, manipulatives, language and social development.
"My goal in the classroom was always to make sure they were having so much fun that they didn't realize they were learning".
Stephanie Oliver- Preschool Teacher
Several steps in classroom arrangement:
- Teachers must consider the amount of space in the room.
- Teachers should have a clear view of the whole room.
- Each learning center should be separate and defined.
- Everything should be labeled with large bold words and pictures.
- Set up materials on eye level with students to encourage independence so that students may receive and clean up their materials and place them back in appropriate place.
- Provide a child proof safe environment (safety locks on cabinets with cleaning supplies, plug covers, safe edge corner cushion for sharp table edges).
- Provide age appropriate toys, materials and activities.
These steps may seem simple but some thought must be into the design, arrangement and overall learning environment.
Some websites for guiding a teacher to organize and design a classroom and provide activities for toddlers and elementary school students:
http://www.childcarelounge.com/environments/room-arrangement.php
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/top-teaching/2013/09/4-classroom-organization-ideas-really-work
http://www.preschoolexpress.com/toddler_station-anytime.shtml
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/creativity-in-classroom-trisha-riche
Stephanie Oliver- Preschool Teacher
