You will analyze different preschool environments and discuss how the physical environment can impact children’s behavior.
Classroom A- please see attached.
Classroom B- please see attached.
Directions
Use the questions below to guide your comparison of two classroom environments and answer questions. In your answer be sure to identify which classroom youi are talking about.
1-Give 2 examples from each classroom of how the environment gives visual cues as to what behavior is expected in the area.
2-Give 2 examples of how the classroom environment can promote social interaction.
3-Give 2 examples of how the classroom environnment may promote disruptive or unsafe behavior.
4-Give 2 examples of how the classroom environment provides for children’s independent use of materials.
5-Give an example of a clearly defined boundary in the classroom layout.
6-Give an overall assessment of both classrooms specifically looking at how the environment may impact children’s behavior. (Consider visual cues, labels, visual supervision, blind spots, DAP materials, adequate space for activities, learning centers, independence, etc)
7-Give 2 examples of how you would change the physical environment in Classroom A and B to improve the environment for children’s behavior and learning.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Analyzing different preschool environments is important in understanding how physical environments can impact children’s behavior. In this assignment, two classrooms will be compared to identify how their physical environment promotes or hinders children’s behavior.
1. Classroom A has visual cues such as posters about the alphabet and numbers on the wall, indicating that the area is for learning. It also has low tables and chairs arranged in groups that suggest collaborative learning. Classroom B also has visual cues, with posters about sharing and playing together, indicating that the area is for socialization. It also has an open bookshelf in the corner to promote independent reading.
2. Classroom A promotes social interaction by having areas for group work, such as tables and chairs arranged in groups for collaborative learning. It also has learning centers, including a dramatic play area, that promotes imaginative play and socialization. Classroom B has a reading area with comfortable chairs and pillows that encourages reading together, and a block center that facilitates collaborative play.
3. Classroom A may promote disruptive or unsafe behavior with its blind spot in the dramatic play area and the proximity of the tables and chairs to the door, allowing for distractions from the hallway. Classroom B may promote disruptive behavior with the placement of the bookshelf in front of the door, creating a hazard, and the open layout of the room, making supervision more difficult.
4. Classroom A provides children with independent use of materials through its individualized cubbies and storage areas for each child’s belongings. It also has an art center with various materials for children to use independently. Classroom B provides children with independent use of materials through the open bookshelf, allowing children to choose their books, and an independent writing table with materials available.
5. A clearly defined boundary in Classroom A is the rug in the circle time area, indicating where the children should sit for group activities. In Classroom B, the clearly defined boundary is the storage shelves, separating the work area from the play area.
6. Overall, Classroom A’s physical environment promotes learning, imagination, and socialization. The visual cues, learning centers, and individualized storage areas create a sense of independence and responsibility. The blind spot in the dramatic play area and the proximity of the tables and chairs to the door may create distractions and disturbance. Classroom B’s physical environment promotes socialization, teamwork, and imagination. The visual cues, reading area, and block center encourage socialization and imaginative play. The placement of the bookshelf in front of the door and the open layout of the room may create hazards and distractions.
7. To improve the physical environment in Classroom A, I would suggest removing the blind spot in the dramatic play area by rearranging the furniture and the addition of a mirror. I would also suggest adding curtains to separate the table and chair area from the hallway to minimize distractions. For Classroom B, I would suggest rearranging the bookshelf to avoid the hazard of being in front of the door and adding rugs to separate different areas of the room for a better-defined layout.
