Discusses the logic of a learning environment approach for young children, suggests room and equipment arrangements, and provides ideas for effective learning centers. (RJC)

Presents floor plans and activity schedules for primary grade, middle grade, and secondary school classrooms as a guide for teachers who wish to maximize access to classroom microcomputers through the use of small interactive learning centers. (MBR)

This module focuses on the use of play as a natural and effective means for expanding the learning opportunities for young children in special preschool settings. It includes discussions of the different roles teachers assume as they incorporate play into their curriculum. The guide highlights instructional approaches which promote child learning,…

Offers suggestions for selecting appropriate classroom materials and designing an early-childhood classroom in which children learn through play. Focuses on the decisions a beginning teacher needs to make, such as selecting the curriculum, identifying appropriate learning areas, finding intriguing learning materials, selecting comfortable…

Intended for teachers and administrators of early childhood programs, this publication is designed as a guide for developing learning environments for children in prekindergarten through the second grade. The approach advocated is based on research and on teacher experience with the way the young child learns. Contents of the guide include…

This guide was developed for North Carolina teachers in early childhood education and focuses on how play-based center activities in kindergarten teach literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Development of the guide was based on educators' experiences and their understanding of how children learn. The guide's introduction…

The classroom teacher in preschool special education must focus attention in several areas in order to create a smoothly operating and effective classroom environment. Because most of the learning experiences provided for young children are dependent upon interaction with materials, attention must first be given to purchasing and gathering…

A learning center is a defined space where materials are organized in such a way that children learn without the teacher's constant direction. This book offers guidelines that will help preprimary and primary school teachers organize and manage learning centers in the classroom. Chapter 1 describes the advantages of using learning centers and…

Suggests that through the integration of positive multicultural experiences and materials into common classroom activities, teachers can help ensure an understanding of these concepts and enrich children's experiences with diverse populations and subjects. (SW)

Noting that the early care and education environment is a vital contribution to children's learning, this book examines the early childhood learning environment with the vision of making it a place where young children will be physically, emotionally, esthetically, and intellectually nurtured. The chapters are: (1) "The Power of the Environment…

SHAPES--an acronym for the South Plains Child Care Management Services (SpCCMS) Helping, Assisting and Preparing Educators and Staff--is also the name of a preschool readiness curriculum that is being developed for use by administrators and teachers. The first phase of the curriculum development consists of the publication of five books to be used…

This guide provides assistance in selecting and designing the day care center's building and grounds and in planning and arranging the center's playroom. In regard to the building and grounds, discussion considers program and support service functions, highly desirable features of buildings and grounds, playroom space, outdoor space, and…

Sets forth a set of general educational facility specifications based on four sources of information: (1) initiatives of the Texas A & M Interface Task Force; (2) views of schools held by children; (3) educational trends; and (4) general educational facility planning principles. (six references) (MLF)

This technical assistance paper examines the importance of planning the physical preschool environment and its impact on the child's total development. The two main aspects of the physical environment which are discussed in detail are creating areas of interest in the classroom, and planning the outdoor environment. Issues explored in creating…

This book for primary grade teachers provides over 500 ideas and suggestions for designing the environment and developing learning activities in a child-centered classroom. Part 1 of the book focuses on the larger school environment, with suggestions for making the whole school inviting for parents and children. Part 2 provides ideas for making…