Purpose: Systematic efforts to study students' use of informal learning spaces are crucial for determining how, when and why students use such spaces. This case study provides an example of an effort to evaluate an informal learning space on the basis of students' usage of the space and the features within the space. Design/methodology/approach:…

This qualitative case study approaches early childhood education and care practices from a socio-spatial point of view. One Finnish daycare group for one- to three-year-olds participated in the study. The ethnographic observations from the practices are analyzed together with the ECE practitioners' audio-recorded team meetings and video-elicited…

Time saving ideas for the teacher focus on organizing classroom space, charts, planning programs to suit special schedules, organizing storage and retrieval systems, and maintaining records. (CM)

Techniques for developing a schedule in an early intervention program for handicapped students include setting the stage, selecting and arranging the time blocks, scheduling individual and group programs, and assigning staff. Classroom arrangement decisions must be made and the schedule should be evaluated in relation to individualized education…

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)

Presents suggestions for creating a classroom environment where young children's thinking and reasoning processes are supported. Discusses organizing time blocks for predictability and flexibility and organizing the physical space, including providing access to work spaces and access to materials. (KB)

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…

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.…

Presented are guidelines for the use of learning centers to implement individualized instruction with elementary grade educable mentally retarded students. After an introduction, sections focus on the following topics: goals, objectives, the meaning of learning centers, operation of learning centers, classroom design, and starting the day. The…

The classrooms of two teachers, two aides, and six children (ages four to eight) with autism were reorganized in their play materials and equipment, room arrangements, and scheduling of instruction and play periods. Adult smiling and affectionate words increased in the free play area, and children's use of play materials and compliance with adult…

This guide is for teachers and administrators involved in the preparation and implementation of kindergarten programs. Part I, in a series of captioned photographs, reviews basic qualities and needs of young children. Part II examines historical events important in the development of early childhood education, and describes several educational…

This paper explores some of the attributed of quality day care programs for infants, age 0 to 30 months. High-quality interactions with adults result in positive developmental outcomes for infants. Adults involved in day care should focus on providing an environment of stimulating experiences, which help infants to develop satisfactorily. Other…

Intended for preservice regular education teachers, the modules in Series II are intended to address the continuous instructional planning which teachers must carry out to meet the needs of exceptional children in regular classrooms. It is explained in a series overview that many of the enabling activities require contact with children in the…

This issue of the Australian Early Childhood Association Research in Practice Series focuses on creating aesthetically pleasing environments in early childhood care and education settings. The booklet details characteristics of aesthetically pleasing environments and discusses how early childhood practitioners' reflection upon the school or center…