If it's your first job as a kindergarten teacher or summer is coming to an end, creating a safe play environment for children between the ages of three and five can be difficult. The secret to proper preparation of the classroom is to make it cute, colorful and efficiently organized, without losing sight of safety and functionality. Here are some ideas to make your classroom come true.
Steps
Step 1. Get something to write on
According to many people, a classic whiteboard is ideal, while others argue that Smart Boards, interactive whiteboards, are more convenient and useful. In many kindergartens, dry-erase blackboards are hung in the classrooms, because it is easy to write and erase on them, leaving no traces. Also, it is possible to color them, and this will excite the children. Whichever board you choose, make sure it is large enough and visible from anywhere in the classroom.
- Several teachers decide to have all three in their classrooms. While not necessary, they come in handy when you run out of space to write on a whiteboard.
- You could create a wall dedicated to vocabulary acquisition. It allows students to understand which words are useful, which they should therefore learn. It's easy: type a few terms on your computer, using the largest font you can, and print them. Attach them to the wall, so children can read them easily.
- Hang up a notice board to post announcements and other service communications.
Step 2. Include a meeting area
Since you work in a kindergarten, you should devise a space where you can gather in a circle, whether it's to review something together or to explain a project or a trip. Many teachers have colorful floor rugs or a low table in the center of the classroom.
Step 3. Prepare a workspace for the children
Assign seats. Instead of setting up desks, give the classroom a homely welcome and set up tables. They should be round or with blunt edges if they are rectangular to prevent babies from getting hurt by the sharp corners. There should be enough chairs for everyone, and an extra couple. Metal is preferable to wood, to avoid having to replace them often. Remember that they must be small, given the age of the children.
Put pen holders on the tables so they can keep pens, markers, pencils, etc. in order (colored pencils are used most often in kindergarten)
Step 4. Give each child personal space
Many teachers prepare containers so that children can store communications for parents, chores done in the classroom and so on. You should also decide where coats and backpacks should hang. Individual lockers can be quite useful for storing everything. In any case, all children should have a personal hook for their jacket to avoid confusion.
You too should have a personal space. You need a desk and a computer, to be arranged so that it is not touched by the children
Step 5. Hang drawings and posters throughout the classroom
You should show off everything that children do. In some classrooms, chores hang from the ceiling. As for the posters, they should depict the alphabet, numbers, planets, animals and everything else you have been teaching. They are useful for learning by playing and the people who visit the class will get an idea of your work.
Step 6. You could write to the computer and print the schedule every day
New things are always done in kindergarten; however, the night before, once a week or once a month, you can prepare what you plan to do and write it down in the right order. Post the program on the door of the classroom or post it on the bulletin board.
Step 7. Make a space for books
If the classroom has a library, this step is not necessary. Find an ideal place to move it (if necessary) and organize your books as effectively as possible (you can sort them by title, author's name, author's last name, etc.). If the school does not have a library or the volumes it does have are few, or perhaps they are not suitable for the age group of your students, go buy some and create a small library in the classroom. From childhood books are essential for adequate training, therefore, whichever method you choose, children must have easy access to the library.
Step 8. Create a childproof classroom
Children who go to kindergarten are already older, but it is still important to prepare the classroom properly, so that it is safe. You must have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on hand. Keep the windows closed, or April when you know you can keep an eye on everyone. There should be no dangerous objects around. The radiators or air conditioning should work fine. Don't overlook the details, for example, make sure the tape dispenser is in a safe place and doesn't fall on children's hands or feet. Also, the cables of the computer and the Smart Board should be arranged so that they do not get in the way. Wooden items should be sanded, so children don't run the risk of getting injured by splinters, which could tear their clothes among other things.
Check the classroom to see if anything is missing. You should always have essential items available, such as paper towels, handkerchiefs, hand sanitizer, etc. Ask parents to contribute these costs - many will be willing to help. Some parent-formed schools or organizations will provide the supplies
Step 9. Schedule the lessons
Sometimes you could surprise a parent to read something to the children, you will see that the children will like to see their mom or dad suddenly appear. Another idea is to allow each child to decide what to do on a given day, such as what to color, what to play, etc. (also in this case a parent can intervene). Whichever setting you choose, everything will go smoothly if you have the classroom tidy.
Advice
- You don't have to buy everything at your own expense! Ask the school director or town hall for money, unless you are a generous person. However, don't make unrealistic claims, your requests must fit within budget.
- Kids love colors, so the classroom should be full of them. For example, choose a multicolor rug. Mix different color shades.
- Check out other classrooms (in your kindergarten or elsewhere) for ideas.
Warnings
- You should know the procedures and codes regarding fires, earthquakes and so on. Pay attention when the children go to the bathroom and approach the windows.
- Whichever style of furniture you choose, the classroom should definitely have the following: first aid kit, telephone to call the director, hospital or police, an epinephrine auto-injector and a fire extinguisher. Find out who can perform the Heimlich maneuver or CPR. Know the procedures for caring for students who have a particular health or learning problem.
