|
Imagine two rooms.
Both are designed with the intent to help 3 & 4-year-old children
reach their academic potential. The first room is quiet and
orderly, where you have children sitting in rows of metal desks being
instructed by a teacher in front of a chalkboard. The shelving lining
the walls is filled with materials, such as: ditto sheets, workbooks,
and encyclopedias. The second classroom is chaotic, but structured,
with various projects taking place throughout the room. Clusters of
group tables are in various sectioned off interest areas, designated
by shelving. On the shelves are labeled bins filled with various
materials.
Contrary to what most believe the first type of classroom actually
hampers the child's creativity and produces minds that need constant
guidance and supervision. The shelving against the wall does not
establish the various areas within the classroom, and in turn,
restricts a child's decision-making skills by not offering clear
choices. Ditto sheets and workbooks restrict the learning process by
displaying a one-sided version of learning and neglecting to show the
aspect of how what the child is learning is directly affecting them.
The chaotic classroom works the best for encouraging young minds &
bodies to grow and develop. The active, but still organized, room
gives the children the ability to independently explore their
environment through both child-directed and teacher-directed
activities, while still maintaining a sense of structure and
consistency. The group tables spread throughout the room permits the
social-emotional development, which in turn, helps children to trust
others outside of their families,
gain independence and self-control and to take initiative and assert
themselves in socially acceptable ways. The shelving sitting at an
angle or parallel from the walls, rather resting against them, creates
a traffic pattern within the room and gives a sense of flow. With the
well-defined area, the teacher can promote independence, nurture
resolution-making techniques and encourage active participation.
Especially, at such a young age, the children learn through
experiences and trial & error. Children learn through play.
For more articles or to shop for preschool furniture & supplies please
visit us at:
DaycareAtoZ.com
|
