In the field of early childhood care and education, classroom layout has received an increasing amount of attention and emphasis.  Not only does classroom layout help to ensure the health and safety of children, it also serves to foster learning and development.  Factors like the size and type of furniture, the design of the room, the amount of light, and the color of walls and decorations can impact learning. A room that is plain or boring might diminish enthusiasm and engagement, while a room that is cluttered or overstimulating might distract children.

 

Classroom layout can vary depending on the ages and needs of children (as well as budgetary concerns and constraints).  Because children may spend the majority of their day in school or childcare, it is important to create a room that is safe, comfortable, warm, and inviting and that helps children to feel like they belong and are supported.

 

This week you will create a classroom floor plan using shapes and textboxes in Microsoft Word.  The floorplan you create should be based on the validated and recognized standards offered by an Environment Rating Scale (see below).  Finally, you will provide a written justification detailing the rationale behind your floorplan and the selected Environment Rating Scale.

 

1. First, review the Environment Rating Scales, linked below.  You will want to keep one or more of these scales in mind when designing your classroom floorplan.
   1. https://www.ersi.info/ecers.html
   2. https://www.ersi.info/iters.html
   3. https://www.ersi.info/fccers.html
   4. https://www.ersi.info/sacers.html
2. Create a floor plan/layout using shapes and textboxes in Microsoft Word.
   1. To begin, start a new Word Document.
   2. Within Microsoft Word, click Insert, then add shapes.
      1. You may want to start with a large rectangle to represent the perimeter of the classroom.
      2. You can then add shapes within the larger rectangle to symbolize desks, tables, a reading area, a play kitchen, a blocks station, cribs, etc. - whatever you would like in your classroom!
         1. Remember what is featured in your classroom will depend on whether you are designing the room for infants, toddlers, or preschoolers.  Be creative!  You can also play with the size and color of the shapes you use.
         2. Use textboxes to label what is included in your classroom.
         3. See the sample floorplan embedded below in a PDF for some ideas on how to add and label shapes within your design.  Keep in mind, however, that you should use the guidelines from an Environmental Rating Scale when constructing your floorplan.

REFERENCE EXAMPLE: https://prnt.sc/q-Wg5Baep272

 

3.Now that your classroom layout/floorplan is complete, write a one-page narrative, in which you address the following:

1. Indicate the approximate age group your classroom floorplan was intended for.
2. Identify which of the Environment Rating Scales you used in designing your classroom.   Explain why this rating scale was selected and how it was applicable to your classroom.
3. Justify, with supporting details, how your classroom adheres to the standards set by the selected Environment Rating Scale.

Reference lecture: https://rise.articulate.com/share/U1OjGAsOOHd9pGCsSoVgLOFZewN-GANZ#/lessons/qpDle2zyIEr3GY4Mq_BO9BDPq6ri_GRX