How To Set Up A Kindergarten Learning Environment

The first impression of a school for any child is created by the environment of the classroom and the kindergarten teacher. Even a timid child will feel welcomed when a classroom has a warm and inviting look. Kids enjoy spending time in any classroom decorated with vibrant colors. Therefore, setting up a kindergarten classroom is crucial to making it an effective learning environment for children. Read on to find out more:

Creating The First Impression:

How one sets up the classroom decides how the daily activities will flow in the room. Firstly, the classroom needs to be spacious and free from obstacles so that the childrens’ viewing is not blocked in any way. It should be playful and bright, and should also be able to accommodate all the children even when they play or move around. So, in order to create an learning environment there are certain elements that need to be added to the classroom, which include the following:

An area rug

Well-built bookshelves (which should not be more than 36 inches in height)

Activities suitable for the age-group like wooden blocks (large), puzzles, scale clock (large), lacing cards, tools and play-dough, etc.

Toys for the children like plastic food, trucks and cars, small chairs and tables (toys), cloth puppets, plastic animal collections, among others

Chairs and tables that are appropriately-sized

Containers (easy-access)

Learning Centers For Children

Another important aspect for making the classroom a proper learning environment is creating learning centers within the classroom. These centers can be considered as small classrooms within the main classroom. Creating particular areas in the classroom for specific activities will help the children learn to focus, and will also help in maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the classroom. A learning center should help a child to widen his/her imagination, learn to explore, and should also help them engage in playing with other kids.

A few of these standard learning centers include housekeeping center, block center, art center, science center and book center. Those items that are included in these centers need to promote imagination and creativity.

The Housekeeping Center- This center should include 2 chairs (minimum) and a tiny table for those children who prefer playing "play house". In here, there should be room for dramatic outfits for play dress. The outfits can be placed inside a truck on displayed on a rack. Plastic food along with dolls should also be placed in the housekeeping center.

The Block Center- This learning center must include wooden blocks of different sizes, trains and train tracks, trucks and cars.

The Art Center- In this center, crayons and drawing paper must be provided to the children. Markers and scrap paper can also be provided for cutting and gluing. Coloring books may not be the activity in focus here, but 1-2 books should be kept for the students in this center.

The Book Center- This center needs to be stacked with a wide range of books that children can enjoy. Audio books can also be provided to the kids along with headsets for listening purposes. A comfortable and calm ambience can be created for reading by adding some oversized pillows or stuffed animals.

Seating Arrangement Is Important

The seating arrangement of the classroom should be such that all the students are able to see the board and the teacher all the time. Instead of desks, children should be provided with tables as it helps the teacher to interact or work with a group instead of individual students.

Conclusion

The above ideas have proved fruitful in introducing a learning environment in kindergarten classrooms. Depending on the classroom size and budget allotted, one can find innovative ways to make the classroom both productive and fun-filled for the children.

Derek Tan writes articles relating to education. Please visit Canadian International School for more information.

Derek Tan writes articles relating to education. Please visit Canadian International School for more information.