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Video Transcript:

>> The learning environment has a significant impact on how children play. When parents or childcare providers do not understand this, they may be surprised when children become bored, over stimulated, uncooperative or resistant. This teacher is showing a parent her classroom where she has tried to create a welcoming space for children. As you watch this video, you will learn about the goals of the teacher and the unexpected consequences of this room arrangement on children's play. Miss Sheila says that she prefers to send the children's artwork home with them so it won't be accidentally damaged. She may not understand that children feel very proud of their creations and enjoy looking at them throughout the day. Notice that the displays are at adult, rather than children's, eye level. Around the top of the walls are cardboard alphabet and number strips in her attempt to create an academic environment. Miss Sheila may not under that preschoolers learn more about words and numbers through experimentation and interactions, rather than looking at symbols high on a wall. In this classroom, this furniture is made of hardwood. There are no soft pieces of furniture such as upholstered furniture or beanbag chairs. Miss Sheila things the children play more freely if the center of the room is open. She does not understand that room divisions created by furniture help children focus their play and to play more cooperatively. There are empty bookshelves and large toy bins for toys, blocks, dolls, dress up clothes and books. Preschool children are able to select toys, art supplies, reading and dramatic play supplies on their own, but Miss Sheila believes that the room will become too messy if the children do this. The children continually put toys back into the wrong bins during clean up time since the containers have no labels or pictures. When the environment at home or in a classroom is set up to encourage preschoolers independence, decision making, social skills and problem solving, preschoolers are able to learn through their explorations and interaction with others. Miss Sheila asked a veteran preschool teacher to give her some advice about how to manage her classroom. After rearranging the room, the veteran teacher, Miss Solazar [assumed spelling] and Miss Sheila survey the new play areas before the children arrive for preschool.

>> A nice environment, inviting environment where they're going to want to play, artwork displayed at their level so they can see it opposed to up high.

>> Miss Solazar has placed the sand and water table close to the sink. It is easy for children to clean up after themselves when a sink is close by and the floor can be swept and washed. A low table in the area is now used for art projects, puzzles and small motor activities. Small storage bins, labeled with pictures of the objects inside are arranged on shelves so children can help themselves to art supplies and manipulative toys. On a carpeted area, another shelf is labeled with pictures of wooden blocks so children can find the shapes they need. A dollhouse adds dimension to their block play. The dramatic play area is defined by a puppet theater and a shelf of puppets. These two areas provide room for active play that is not in the path of people moving around the room. The kitchen area is delineated by play cupboards, stoves and refrigerators. A small table close by enables children to serve each other play food or to play with materials from the small shelf. In a corner, well lit by two walls of windows, there is a soft cushioned pad with a large pillow where children can read. The back of the kitchen furniture separates the reading area from more active areas. A book display shelf is within reach of the pillows so children can help themselves to books. Children and adults can walk from one area to the next without interfering with anyone's play or privacy. The teacher can see all of the children since the shelf dividers are low. The appeal of each area draws children to different parts of the room so they naturally play in smaller groups. They are able to be independent as they select materials to use in each learning area. Children's artwork is displayed at their eye level so they can view it more easily and feel proud of their creations. Miss Sheila and Miss Solazar are excited to see how the children react to their new room arrangement. They are pleased that all of the areas draw the children's attention. Instead of asking for help to find supplies, the children initiate their won play. The two adults are able to converse while they monitor the children's play. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and conducive to preschoolers experimentation and discovery.

Think about how you feel when you are in a room that is well-designed and organized. This video discusses the impact of room arrangements on preschool children. Notice the differences in the way the children play before and after the room makeover and what strategies make the environment more appropriate for the children's learning.

How does the way a room is organized affect you? What specific elements help you to concentrate and to be creative?

What strategies does the teacher in this video use to makeover the classroom so the children learn more effectively? How do these strategies affect the children's play and their acquisition of knowledge?