Classroom
Preview
Our 4 Year Old Classroom
Our 4 Year Old Classroom
The Physical environment of the classroom has a profound effect on the children individually and as a group. Our physical settings are safe, comfortable, attractive, and are well designed to ensure that the children have adequate space and furnishings. Our classrooms are broken up into interest areas, to allow the children to explore, make things, experiment, and pursue their interest.
Morning Meeting Area
Every morning the teacher gather all the children in this area to build a caring community and to develop listening and speaking skills through four steps: Greeting, sharing, Activity, and News and Announcements. This area is also used for other activities such as, Reading Aloud, Large Group, Small Group and Whole Group Literacy.
Dramatic Play Area
Our Dramatic Play area is set up to look like a home with props and furniture that represent a kitchen and perhaps a bedroom/living room. Most children enter the area, take on a role and begin to pretend. They act out taking care of babies, cooking and serving food, and talking on the telephone. The area is enhanced regularly with new props to enhance the play.
Cozy Quiet Area
The Cozy Quiet Area of our classroom is an attractive and inviting place where the children can get away from the more physically active areas. There are soft furnishings available for the children to rest on, be alone, or work and play with one other child. The children read books, use puppets, recite nursery rhymes, and they also have access to the computer.
Library Area
In the Library area, children develop the motivation and skills necessary for reading and writing. This area is used for our Morning Meeting each day, as well as our story time. The children are given opportunities to read and explore the books on their own, retell familiar stories, listen to recorded stories, and to write.
Block Area
The Block Area is an area that stimulates and invites open-ended exploration.The children construct, create, and represent their experiences with blocks. Along with the various types of blocks there are traffic signs, wooden people, vehicles, and animals all which enhance their play.
Toys and Games Area
The Toys and Games area includes small manipulatives (ex. Legos, links, etc.), puzzles, collectibles, and games. These materials offer a wide variety of experiences for the children. In which, they can play alone, with another child, or in a small group. Children can strengthen many of their developmental skills as they play with the toys and games, such as hand eye coordination, fine motor, and social skills.
Computer Area
The computer area is set up in the quiet area of our classroom and is a space for 1-2 children. It is accessible to the children during our free choice time. There are age appropriate games available that allow the children to have fun while exploring the many exciting things computers do. The computers are a way for children to demonstrate self-direction and independence while solving problems and manipulating objects on a screen.
Sand and Water Area
The Sand and Water Area promotes sensory experiences that appeal to young children. The children are provided various materials to use and manipulate in this area. For example, shovels, buckets, basters, measuring cups, and so much more. Though it seems to be a very simple activity, it can also challenge the children's mind and promote all areas of development.
