Layout of Preschool Classroom - Setting Up the Classroom

By Mary Robinson

One of the most important things to consider at the beginning of the school year is the layout of the preschool classroom. Since preschool is often a child's introduction to the world of school, it must be an environment where they experience the fun of learning. This allows children an opportunity to develop a set of positive feelings and associations with the classroom that they'll carry with them throughout the remainder of their educational days.

The layout of the preschool day care classroom must be conducive to learning and play while keeping the children safe. Preschoolers are constantly on the move, so organizing this chaotic environment can sometimes be a bit of a challenge.

Child-Sized Fun

Many educational experts have written theories on the layout of the preschool day care classroom. Of these experts, one of the most credible and commonly read is Maria Montessori, who insists that everything in a preschool classroom such as the chairs, tables, shelves, and cubbies should be appropriately sized for its pint-sized students. As an instructor setting up their own preschool classroom, try looking at everything while kneeling down to gain the child's eye view.

When developing the layout of a preschool classroom, divide the room up into the necessary sections. These include, but are not limited to, art, blocks, dramatic play, manipulative, music, library, and science. Some instructors also include a writing area near the library, and others are lucky enough to have an indoor playground as a part of the classroom experience.

Remember that certain areas require more space than others, such as dramatic play and blocks. These areas tend to be noisier than others, and as such, they should be grouped together in the classroom. Quieter activities like art and reading should also be placed together on the opposite side of the room, if possible. To mark the boundaries between the areas, use shelving units or colored duct tape on the floor.

It's important to keep the center of the classroom free from large objects as that's where the children assemble in a large circle for story time or show-and-tell. The walls of the preschool classroom can be decorated with seasonal decorations, samples of the children's art, a large wall calendar labeled with important dates and activities, a weather chart, and an attendance chart with a picture of each child.

Get out the Label Maker

Though most preschoolers are not yet able to read, it's important to label everything in the classroom. This will teach children some basic words, and within the course of the year, they should be able to recognize and read these words, forming an excellent foundation for learning to read.

Each section of the classroom should also be labeled with a sign hanging on the wall above the center. Graphics can be added to these signs to help show children what is performed in each center. For example, on the "Art Center" sign above the art area cut out pictures of a paint brush, paint, crayon or pair of scissors.

The preschool classroom layout needs this attention to detail so that your children can have a safe and fun environment to learn.

Mary Robinson has been teaching preschool for well over a decade. You can get instant access to her preschool activities, crafts, and lesson plans by visiting her website: http://www.preschoolwhiz.com

For a limited time, all visitors to Mary's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Preschool Teachers and Parents Make". Go get your free copy today!

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