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Maximizing Classroom Spaces
October 1, 2014
Sleep faster. We need the pillows.
-Yiddish Proverb
-Yiddish Proverb
In Inspiring Spaces for Young Children, Jessica DeViney, Sandra Duncan, Sara Harris, Mary Ann Rody, and Lois Rosenberry talk about "defining and maximizing" spaces:
"Inhabiting a classroom is much like living in an urban loft. Typically, a loft is an open space that serves multiple functions. Areas may be arranged by sectioning off the bedroom with a privacy screen, defining a living space with a sofa, or placing a rug in the dining area. The same is true for designing a classroom. Although you have many different areas — for example, blocks, home-living, and science — in one small space, it is important to consider the entire room when choosing and placing furnishings...
"Like an urban loft, the vast majority of preschool classrooms do not occupy a large amount of square footage. Although there are a few things you can do to make your classroom space appear larger, the bottom line is there may not be many square feet available. Consequently, it is important that everything in your classroom has a purpose, contributes to the children's learning, and is aesthetically pleasing."
Childspaces 3.1 is a wide-ranging collection of early childhood environment images available in an easy-access CD-ROM. View over a thousand full-color digital images drawn from the work of the Childspace Institute. Childspace Institute operates five early childhood programs in Wellington, New Zealand, and conducts seminars for both national and international audiences on environment design. Use this collection of images of the work of founders Toni and Robin Christie to jump-start your creativity in creating inspiring environments for young children.
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Comments (3)
Displaying All 3 CommentsPeekaboo Child Care Inc,
Centreville, VA, United States
I would love to have someone come and rearrange my entire area Reggio style.
Denver, CO, United States
There are many things to consider in designing an optimal environment. A critical one is storage outside the classroom. Another one that is a must is to maximize the use of outdoor space. I have just returned from Brazil, and because of their climate they have spaces that freely transition from inside to outside (also in airports and homes). In the US this is more difficult to do, but some programs provide a covered transition area much like a deck, where children can enjoy more space without getting wet and cold. The more restrictions on the inside require more innovative uses of the outside.
United States
Excellent advice, but in my experience the "aesthetically pleasing" bit often gets overlooked. I see too many classrooms where an absence of storage space for the teacher leads to overcrowded shelves, or shelving displacing work/play areas. And I also see the overuse of bright colors, and the cluttering of walls. Less is often more, as long as it is worth looking at. I much admire the classroom in Reggio Emilia, where displays are meaningful and beautiful, and the Montessori idea of posting one really lovely work of art on the wall.
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