The following hypotheses were tested: (1) children who attend open classrooms have smaller personal spaces than children attending traditional classrooms, and (2) personal space is a socially learned phenomenon which may be increased or decreased as a result of watching proximate or distant teacher-child models. (Author/BJG)

Designed for teachers of the severely handicapped within the Arizona public schools, the manual reviews current practices in special education for this population. An initial chapter examines student characteristics, while a second reviews current practices in assessment (including brief descriptions of vocational, social, perceptual, language,…

This guide suggests an observation strategy to be used by principals or administrators to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the kindergarten program in their schools. The observation strategy is based on description and analyses of four dimensions of a learning environment: space, time, people and things. Section I contains a series of…

The kinds of spaces needed to house the learning activities of today's school English program are discussed in this paper. The following spaces are recommended in the planning of new buildings or in the remodeling of existing buildings: (1) a space capable of seating several hundred persons for viewing plays and films and for large-group…

Many of the references in this bibliography are followed by a listing of ERIC descriptors to indicate the contents. The items are grouped into six sections: (1) learning and the learning environment; (2) classroom environment; (3) school and educational environments; (4) environmental influences upon learning and education; color, thermal…

This paperback presents a cross-cultural analysis of early childhood education, focusing on the public primary educational systems in England and the United States. American failures and English successes are emphasized. Differences in teacher preparation, curriculum control, and classroom freedom are discussed. The English system is analyzed…

The philosophy of the open classroom approach is discussed. It is considered to be characterized by: (1) a child-centered, self-learning environment; (2) the teacher in the role of catalyst and guide; (3) a long-term commitment to exploration of new concepts and practices; (4) the needs and growth of children as the chief concern; (5) the…

This book is designed to help teachers link research and theory regarding creativity to the everyday activities of classroom teaching, providing enough theory and enough examples of applications to enable teachers to convert what they learn to their everyday grouping arrangements, lesson plans, assessment activities, and grading schemes. The book…

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…

This article describes an inquiry-based science project, presents the professional development that supported it, gives recommendations to teachers of inclusive classrooms, and provides a practical checklist for program assessment. A list of teacher characteristics recommended for the inquiry approach is also provided, along with classroom design…

Presents eight points for designing the physical and programmatic environments to prevent discipline problems and support learning in early childhood classrooms. Points relate to designing clearly defined activity areas, providing adequate space, assessing the activity structure throughout the day, following an age-appropriate schedule, and…

Describes the Head Start Classroom of the Future project, which is being introduced into inner-city centers in Grand Rapids, Michigan; a classroom for children of Hispanic migrant farmworkers in Holland, Michigan; and a classroom for Native American children at the Isleta Pueblo Head Start near Albuquerque, New Mexico. (BB)

Suggests ways to provide special spaces and materials in early childhood classrooms that promote literacy development, including classroom library centers, writing centers, and content area centers. (MM)

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)

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…