Physical Space
all doors should have these to help avoid needless injuries.
pinch guards
These should be hard, smooth, and washable
Classroom tables
give children practice sorting, grouping, comparing, arranging, making decisions, hypothesizing, cooperating, and role-playing
blocks
This is a key piece of equipment in the sensory area
sensory table
Promotes independence
A well-designed outdoor play area can serve as this.
A second classroom.
Jungle gyms, slides, and tree houses
Stationary equipment
This deadens or absorbs sounds
acoustic material
Children can learn this when they are provided personal storage space.
responsibility for their own belongings
Children require an introduction to this in the classroom
activity areas
The music area should allow for these two things
movement and creative dance
promotes language and literacy skills
Ramps on outside equipment should have what for grasping
guardrail
There are two types of acceptable playground surfacing material
Unitary surfacing materials and Loose-fill impact-absorbing materials
35 square feet, but the book recommends 50 square feet is better (not in book)
Maine regulations on space per child
The use of these can help calm or stimulate young children, so select them carefully
colors
licensing rules and regulations of most states require that children under age five to do this, so you will need a space for it
nap or rest
This should be located near the kitchen to allow for easy service
Eating area
these should represent the major stages of development and growth and should also reflect state licensing requirements.
The goals a teacher selects
The National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) has identified these four components that contribute to safe playgrounds.
supervision, proper developmental design, protective surfacing and fall zones, and equipment maintenance.
A well-designed playground usually has these two items, that aid movement through the playground.
Empty space and a wheeled vehicle path
These can cause someone to trip or fall. Because of this danger, many states ban the use of them.
long extension cords in the classroom
This promotes positive feelings and is optimal for learning. The perception is that this makes rooms feel clean and cool.
off-white
a private area in the classroom where children can go when they need time to themselves provides these three things.
limiting contact with others when they choose, reduces the pressure of being around others when they wish to be alone and promotes self-regulation.
funnels, pitchers, hoses, spoons, sponges, measuring cups, containers, strainers, rotary beaters, water toys, scoops, shovels belong here.
Sensory area
supportive of fine motor coordination
this is the ability to access and use the playground and equipment.
accessibility
These are items you may want to keep in a storage shed
Tricycles, wagons, scooters, shovels, rakes, balls, plastic wading pools, and gardening tools
It promotes self-help skills, independence, decision-making skills, joy of learning, and a sense of belonging
a well-planned environment
10 to 12 inches wide and 10 to 15 inches deep with a hook
lockers or cubbies
List at least four activity areas should be in the wet, active area of the classroom.
Science, Art, Sensory, Woodworking
List at least 4 areas should be in a dry, quiet area of the playroom.
Math/Manipulatives, Literacy/Library, Technology, Music
creates an appreciation of cultural diversity
a path that children can use to push or ride wheeled toys is key for what two reasons
protection of the outdoor play area and safety
chain link, wood, aluminum, vinyl, and iron
Five types of fences are commonly used for playgrounds