Blog

Introduction:
Designing the classroom layout is an important part of designing a developmentally appropriate environment for any age group and creating a sense of safety, trust, and reducing problem behaviors.  The indoor arrangement is an important asset to creating a classroom environment that promotes positive interactions and learning.  The environment serves as a third teacher providing an extension to the classroom management and assists in helping the teacher accomplish the learning goals and objectives.  
Directions:
When completing the classroom arrangement, please do not feel that you have to use the computer to do this.  You may draw your classroom arrangement neatly by hand on a blank sheet of computer paper using appropriate labels and then scanning it to your computer.  
However, the simplest way to create your classroom layout is by using any of the following websites:
Scholastic Classroom Set-Up Tool:  londonessays.com
Lakeshore Classroom Designer:  londonessays.com
Classroom Architect—Outline Your Classroom Floor Plan (londonessays.com  ;
You can also create your arrangement in a Microsoft Word document using the “shapes” insert to design your classroom and “text” boxes, but it might be more time consuming.  
Refer to the resources in the module for further guidance on how to arrange your classroom for your specific age group.  
Assignment:
1. Complete the following

prompt(s) for this assignment:
a. Draw a classroom arrangement for the same age group you did when you completed your daily schedule assignment (younger infants, older infants, young toddlers, or older toddlers).  Make sure to label centers, as well as, furnishings for the classroom.  You must include the following in your classroom design:
doors and windows
bathrooms and sinks
furniture (cribs, shelving, chairs, tables, high chairs, changing tables, sand/water table, etc.)
learning centers (i.e. blocks, housekeeping, table toys/manipulatives, science, art, sensory play, etc.)
cubbies (personal belongings)
built-in or freestanding cabinets/storage
parent information area
carpet/tile flooring/rugs
2. Write a short paper answering the following prompts in paragraph format attached to your daily schedule:
a. Describe five decisions you made when designing your classroom that are considered age appropriate practice for you selected age group and/or will assist in meeting the Three-R interactions or the Ten Principles Based on a Philosophy of Respect. 
Resources:
Module content
Classroom Architect
Discount School Supply
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Creative Playthings
Specifications:
Part I: Classroom Arrangement
Acceptable Length: 1 page
Formatting Requirements:
Use Microsoft Word or website to create your daily schedule
Label all furnishings and/or areas
Use appropriate size font and color
Try to fit onto one sheet of paper