How to Organize a Kindergarten Classroom: 14 Steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

A kindergarten classroom must be educational, safe, and stimulating. While some aspects depend on the regulations in the various countries, most of the areas to be foreseen are universal. Making a classroom a safe and fun environment is essential for the development of children and for your mental health.

Steps

Step 1. Circle time:

it should be the fundamental part of any classroom, so you have to put in all the time and effort necessary to make it stimulating not only for the pupils, but also for the parents. Here are some of the things that should be in a circle time:

• A calendar
• The teacher's books (not accessible to children, but used during sessions or during moments of reading with the teacher)
• A CD player for audio books, singing activities or dancing

• A cork or white board on which to post the objects of the club. Here are some things to put on the board:

  • Words of the week
  • The Star of the day
  • The daily tasks
  • The Constitution of the class (set of rules aimed at children)
  • The program of the day and / or the week
  • A "homework center" (activities to be done at home)
  • A wheel of emotions
  • A map of time
  • Information about the theme of the week and / or month

  

  Step 2. For the various sectors of the class there is a need for many games to manipulate, such as:

  • Lego
  • Kinex
  • Cars and characters
  • Animals
  • Magnetic or plastic letters and numbers
  • Play-Doh or Pose

  

  Step 3. Themed corners:

  hangers, milk crates, or shelves can be used to create themed corners for children. It is necessary to identify the various angles well. You could choose to keep the area of the snack baskets and water bottles separate to reduce confusion.

  

  Step 4. Reading area

  It is usually a quiet area. Establish that they can access this area in 2 or 3 at a time, more if you want to make the reading area a center of the imaginary game. Sort the shelves according to the topics and according to age.

  

  Step 5. Brick area:

  the bricks are not only very useful for developing motor skills, but they are the most popular game in every kindergarten. There are so many types of bricks to choose from, but wooden ones are great for creating everything from New York to a fantastic castle.

  

  Step 6. Art area:

  some teachers take this area into consideration, because most of the classes have an art project every day. However, daily projects are not enough! Children must have access to art to develop their writing skills and their creative expression. Recycled paper and pencils are the bare minimum, but don't be afraid to give them age-appropriate scissors, highlighters and watercolors as well.

  • Set a limit on the number of children who can access this area at the same time, otherwise there will be too much confusion.

  • Have an easel or two for free painting. This could help even the most stubborn to express themselves with letters and shapes.

    

    Step 7. Exhibitor of drawings

    Children are and should be proud of their work. It is important that they can exhibit their work for themselves and their families. Make sure every child has a way to do this.

    

    Step 8. Puzzles and games:

    Educational games and puzzles are very important for developing fine motor skills, but also for the specific skills each puzzle focuses on. There are games that focus on shapes, numbers, feelings, dinosaurs, and whatever else you can think of. Make these games available in rotation, bringing out those that have to do with the theme of the week and putting away those that don't fit or those that are boring the children.

    

    Step 9. Mathematics and Science:

    these games and activities are of different types, but most develop fine motor skills.

    • The games of shapes, such as colored bears or bricks are very important in learning how to manage space.
    • There are many things you can do to organize the color corner, but water colors and a color wheel are enough to allow children to express their creativity.

    • In spring you can look for insects; there are companies that supply ants, caterpillars and butterflies or small worms for educational purposes.

      

      Step 10. The theater:

      this angle should be changed at least once a month and should be based on the monthly or weekly theme. For example, it could be a doll's theater to learn fairy tales, an airport with luggage and passports to travel around the world, or a post office to learn addresses.

      

      Step 11. Motor activity:

      it would be advisable to do physical activity outdoors every day. Actually bad weather could prevent it. You have to make sure that you can also do physical activity indoors, but the tools you need must be stored when they are not needed, because they take up a lot of space and children will want to use them even when they don't have to. For indoor physical activity you need:

      • Bowling with paper towel rolls and a ball
      • CD for dance music
      • Obstacle course. Harness the creativity of the children and get them to use the things in the classroom.
      • Bell game (can be done with ribbon)
      • You can do a variety of exercises, such as stretching, aerobics, and yoga.

      

      Step 12. Sensory Activities:

      it sounds easy, but many teachers are not creative enough. Don't be afraid to make a mess, but use old clothes! Here are some ideas:

      

      Step 13. A garden with a shovel, watering can and seeds

      • Sand with dinosaurs, brushes and precious stones
      • An aquarium with rocks, fake fish and plants
      • Finger paint with shaving paint and foam

      

      Step 14. Needed for the teacher:

      there are many things you will need. Eg:

      • Painting equipment
      • Books
      • Stationery
      • Second hand clothes
      • Kitchen tools
      • Cleaning tools
      • Lesson program
      • Various guides