Q1. How should the physical environment of the classroom be designed and organized to facilitate child engagement?

<Ted Bovey>

One of the most important topics to examine with classroom programs is the organization and structure of the classroom environment.  

In examining the classroom environment it’s helpful to look at the issue from two perspectives, 1) looking at the physical environment of the classroom as a whole and, 2) looking more specifically at the instructional environment created within specific activities and routines of the classroom day. 

In looking at the physical environment of the entire classroom it’s useful for teachers to start by looking at their classroom design and the layout of the classroom and the play areas (or centers) within their classroom. Centers should be well designed and clearly defined using shelves or other barriers to close in play areas and define their unique space.  Additionally, each center should be clearly labeled with a sign, picture or pictures of the center and the name of the center and also include a way for children to indicate they are playing in the center by using name cards, necklaces with pictures of the center on them, or other kinds of visual materials.  Within centers, materials should be clearly displayed with well labeled shelves or bins so children can easily identify where toys and materials will go during clean up.  Finally, when designing the physical layout of the classroom teachers should ensure that there is sufficient room for the classroom to gather together as a large group (say for Circle Time or Story Time) without being over crowded.  It’s important when gathering as a large group that all children can easily see the teacher and the materials being used and it can also be helpful if children are organized in a way that facilitates the passing out and collecting of props and materials that might be used during your Circle Time, things like bean bags, rhythm sticks, shakers or other kinds of song and book props.