Application: Envisioning a Preschool Classroom Alive with Learning, Part 1

Though there is still much to learn, you have been considering foundational ideas and principles related to the physical environment of a quality preschool setting and the ways that the physical environment can foster children's play, development, and learning. For this Application Assignment, you will begin to develop your vision of how an ideal preschool setting might look.

Before you begin, think about:

• What preschool children are like, what they do and what they need
• Considerations in creating physical environments that foster children's initiative
• Considerations in creating physical environments that foster children's play
• Considerations in creating physical environments that foster children's self-control
• Additional components of quality physical environments

Part 1: Visualize

Close your eyes. Visualize a preschool environment that truly encourages, supports, and guides children's play and learning. Let your mind travel around the room. What does it look like? What does it feel like? How does it sound? What are the adults in the room doing? What are the children doing? How are they interacting with each other, the materials, the space? What kind of learning experiences are they involved in? What opportunities do children have to demonstrate their initiative and self-control? If a visitor walked in, how would he or she describe the culture, energy, and learning in this setting?

Part 2: Brainstorm

Write down at least 20 words or phrases that describe a quality physical environment; one that meets preschoolers needs and interests, fosters initiative and self-control, and is alive with play and learning.

Part 3: Describe

Now that you have taken time to visualize and brainstorm, write your description of a quality physical environment and your rationale for positioning. In addition, you may also choose to submit a drawing to demonstrate arrangement of the physical environment. You may use PowerPoint or free (trial) technologies like Inspiration® to create your organizer in an electronic format. You may also choose to draw your graphic organizer, scan it and insert it as an image into your assignment submission. Make sure that the image is visible within the assignment submission.

In summary, you must write the description of your physical environment. It is optional to include a drawing of your physical environment along with your description. Be sure to address each of the following areas:

• Classroom arrangement and activity/learning areas
• Classroom atmosphere
• Learning experiences available
• Materials accessible
• Types of interactions supported

Note: Be sure to cite the Learning Resources to substantiate your thinking.

Assignment length: 2 pages

Required Resources

• Course Text: Gestwicki, C. (2014). Developmentally appropriate practice: Curriculum and development in early education (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

o Chapter 7, "Developmentally Appropriate Physical Environments: For Preschoolers"

• PowerPoint Presentation: Activity Areas That Support and Inspire Children's Play and Learning

• Article: Tarr, P. (2004). Consider the walls. Beyond the Journal: Young Children on the Web.

Copyright 2008 by National Association for the Education of Young Children. Reproduced with permission of the National Association for the Education of Young Children in the format electronic usage via Copyright Clearance Center.

Media

• Video: Laureate Education (Producer). (2009). Play and learning for the preschool child: Virtual field experience [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 51 minutes.

Head Start teacher Robert Recio provides insights and advice about the ways his classroom supports preschoolers' development and learning.

Accessible player --Downloads--Download Video w/CCDownload Audio

Note: Click on the link below to print and fill out the viewing guide for this video segment. You will need to refer to your notes in order to participate in the Discussion this week.

"VFE Choice Time" Viewing Guide

Optional Resources

• Article: Wardle, F. (2008). Creating indoor environments for young children. Retrieved fromhttp://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2011/creating-indoor-environments-for-young-children

• Article:White, R. (2008). Adults are from earth; Children are from the moon: Designing for children: A complex challenge. Retrieved from

http://www.whitehutchinson.com/children/articles/earthmoon.shtml

• Article:Friedman, S. (Ed.). (2005). Environments that inspire. Retrieved from

http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200505/04Friedman.pdf

• Web Site: pre[k]now: Why pre-K matters

http://www.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067

Note: Explore this website by the PEW Center on the States to learn more about the importance of quality pre-K.

• Article:Contant, B. (n.d.). Room arrangements: The basics. Retrieved August 27, 2009, from http://users.stargate.net/~cokids/roomdesign.ht

Please have this assignment done in 12 hours or less

APA format and all orignal work.