Summarizes three studies on the effects of physical environment on preschool children's play and cognitive development, and discusses implications for classroom design. Notes that size of play area, and the extent to which the size of structures in that area was proportional to children's size, affected the rate at which children entered complex…

Although millions of young children spend much of their lives in classrooms, research rarely provides guidance to teachers organizing classrooms for play activities. Psychological literature on social play and pretend play illustrates the absence of clear guidance. Whereas early research posited a progression through levels of social play (i.e.,…

To demonstrate the impact facilities can have on learning, some exemplary elementary schools that made the decision to provide a good educational environment are presented. To assess the impact of these facilities, students, teachers, parents, superintendents, and other administrators were interviewed. The book opens with a discussion of whether…

A literate classroom environment immerses a student in a rich, stimulating, interactive, and purposeful print and language environment which is designed to provide for success in reading, writing, listening, and speaking and the needs of individuals responsible for their own learning in a natural, non-competitive, non-threatening, risk-taking…

Under a research and development project entitled Reducing Isolation in the Mainstream, classroom teachers who had hearing impaired or vision impaired students in their classes were recruited to join special educators in investigating how to promote integration of handicapped students. (SBH)

Addresses six environmental variables that can influence the behaviors of young children with disabilities: theoretical orientation of the program, amount of space available, classroom arrangement, length of the play period, effects of social vs. isolate toys, and the effects of different quantities of toys. (Author/CR)

Presents suggestions for organizing the early childhood classroom, focusing on play unit assessment and creating accessible areas that hold children's interest. Discusses how classroom design influences teacher behavior, children's independence, and social interaction. Examines the connection between classroom design and developmental and program…

A representative sample of current research investigating ecological variables in classrooms is reviewed in this paper. Empirically-based recommendations for classroom arrangement and suggested areas of research which might be beneficial to the development of prescriptive guidelines for preschool classrooms for handicapped children are provided.…

To assist teachers in promoting successful transitions of preschool children with handicaps to integrated preschools or kindergartens, this article summarizes research findings on teachers' classroom organization, behavioral characteristics of most and least independent children in mainstream settings, and differences in the instructional…

Science teachers often have two different curricula--the ideal framework on paper and the real, day-to-day instructional program that occurs in the classroom. A number of factors can affect how much of that ideal framework is accomplished. For example, how a facility is designed and how space is used can affect student achievement, classroom…

Reviews some of the most relevant research regarding classroom design, draws from this research a number of principles for the design and management of classroom space, and discusses issues that need to be examined with respect to the effective use of the physical environment in instruction. Forty-two references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Practical issues that should be considered in placing a classroom computer for use with elementary students include where to locate computer equipment in relation to electrical sockets, windows, and chalkboards; the program sound; who will be able to see the screen; and classroom traffic patterns. Decisions must be made regarding the size of…

Research dealing with the design of the school physical environment and its effect on stress in students and teachers is examined. The design of both the school's overall environment and the individual classrooom unit may affect student and teacher attitudes and student achievement. (PP)

A study of young children's use of literature during free play, of the physical design of library corners, and of teacher's literature activities found positive correlations among these elements. Observations of nursery school classrooms revealed that many lacked inviting library corners and that many teachers did not sufficiently encourage…

Reviews current literature--noting limitations--and provides observations regarding the impact on learning of six physical attributes of the Montessori prepared environment: aesthetics, spatial factors, light, noise, color, and temperature. Suggests guidelines for Montessori classrooms. Concludes by asserting that considering these six…