Thursday, September 3, 2015

Back into the Swing of Things

School starts next week and we had 3 days to set up this week.  You would think three days is a lot of time but there are so many components to setting up a classroom that I worked to the max each day.

Here’s peek into my space.
  IMG_7675IMG_7672
As you enter the room our sign in area (for the grown ups) is to the left.  After I take pictures of the children their area will be to the right.  Straight ahead is the snack area.
                         IMG_7673
Also to the right is a table I use to set up provocations.  As it is the beginning of the year I’ve set out some books and props to start a discussion on families.  We will learn about each other and what some common interests may be.

                          IMG_7706
Past the snack table I set up a table for exploring drawing and cutting.  Last year I noticed many children that were more interested in these activities then doing art or crafts.  Now it will be available all the time.

   IMG_7676IMG_7677
      Into the art area which is surrounded by shelves and the painting easel.
        IMG_7678IMG_7679
                                IMG_7680
                             Three shelves are open for everyone to use.
                   IMG_7681
The last one holds materials that may be more expensive, rare or for my use.

       IMG_7682IMG_7685
Moving around the room you will find a science table with seed pods to explore and a toddler table holding see through blocks of colour.

 IMG_7683IMG_7684
More to the centre of the room is a small fine motor table and a sensory table.  Both holding beads but different sizes and material for stringing.

    IMG_7686IMG_7687
Beside the toddler table is our homemade peg doll tree house with a shelf holding loose parts to play and create stories.  As well as another table that I place materials inviting the families to investigate.

                           IMG_7689
In the very centre of the room are small climbing foam blocks.  I covered them with a thick blanket mainly because I didn’t like the look of the coloured vinyl look.

                       IMG_7691
   IMG_7698IMG_7699
In the far corner is the block area that houses wooden and plastic blocks, lots of loose parts, cars, trucks, animals and houses.  I was given two of the big tubes.  We’ll see how the children interact with this one in this area, it may not be a big enough space.  The other tube is longer and I’ve put it in the gym.

     IMG_7690IMG_7700
                Next is the sand table and a new table for play scenarios.

     IMG_7697IMG_7701
                           IMG_7702
The last corner is the house/dramatic play area.  There are two tables because I will have play dough available on one or they can bring down the puzzles from the shelf.

                                         IMG_7703
I’ve tucked the light table into a little space of the house area.  I’m hoping to cover it somehow to make it more useable as a light table.  My room is very bright which doesn’t help the table be very ‘light’.  Any suggestions??

       IMG_7704IMG_7705
Finally, we end with the carpet area.  It is used for our story times but I also set up play invitations for infants and toddlers.

Hope you’ve enjoyed your visit.  Since I work alone I would appreciate any feedback.