Discusses modernizing, remodeling, or developing new home economic facilities. Equipment considerations, curriculum objectives, the making of a master plan, and planning reminders are provided along with a basic sketch to review prior to planning home economics laboratories. (Author)

Focuses on different kinds of school and classroom organization for teaching reading at the preschool and primary levels. (AEA)

When the voters of Carlsbad, in southeast New Mexico, passed a $14 million bond referendum in 1992, the school board decided to use a portion of the money to consolidate the kindergarten, Head Start, and developmentally delayed preschooler programs into one building. Colors and symbols give young children visual reminders. Four architects offer…

A group of 20 students studied chemistry with the same lecturer in three different physical environments: (1) computers on lab benches; (2) computers around the walls; and (3) computers in cluster groups of four. Students preferred the cluster groups, suggesting that physical features of learning environments should be considered in learning with…

Presented as a conversation between a teacher and engineer about school design, addresses educators' preferences and engineers' perspectives on issues, such as windows, sustainable design, sinks, acoustics, and natural ventilation. (EV)

Describes the development of an Intermediate Center, adjacent to the existing K-12 schools, within a fast-growing community. Designed for children in 5th-7th grades, the center includes a special education classroom that incorporates the needs of students with a variety of disabilities. The L-shaped classroom allows for teacher eye contact with…

Describes three strategies teachers may use in developing a prosocial classroom environment for preschool children. Strategies include: (1) examination of teacher attitudes about prosocial behavior among preschool children; (2) examination of teaching techniques; and (3) evaluation of the classroom environment and curriculum. (RJC)

Offers the following management strategies: (1) enforce appropriate classroom behavior; (2) post classroom rules; (3) stick to a smooth academic routine; (4) organize the classroom environment; (5) develop a self-checking system; and (6) develop filing strategies. The keys to successful classroom management are careful planning, frequent program…

A former elementary school teacher shares suggestions for decorating a classroom on a low budget. The article includes tips for decorating bulletin boards and keeping them up-to-date, organizing workspaces and storing materials, and creating appropriate seating arrangements. (SM)

Asks whether the common practice that has been termed "Circle Time" and its variations are a useful classroom practice. Analyzes the ways teachers employ circle time. Critiques the practice of circle time. Argues that the quality of learning is dependent on the quality of reflection by teachers concerning their practice, not on gimmicks.…

Maintains that the arrangement of a classroom's physical environment is part of the early childhood curriculum. Discusses characteristics of classroom environments that promote children's cooperation, sense of trust, independence, involvement, and acquisition of concepts and skills. (LB)

Suggests one strategy teachers can use to ease students' difficulty in hearing classmates in discussions. Asks teachers to move to positions around the classroom requiring students to speak loud enough to be heard by everyone. (HB)

Ways that preschool environments can be organized to avoid behavior problems are discussed, along with the implications of these arrangements for students with disabilities who are making the transition from preschool to elementary school settings. Also noted is the relationship between environmental arrangement and direct contingency management…

Explains how important it is for educational facilities planners to refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines when designing science classrooms, so every student can have the opportunity to experiment with science firsthand. Addresses how to work with the guidelines, and specific areas of concern. (GR)

Presents the opinions of five school design and construction experts on the future of school facility design and use. Issues discussed involve changes in classroom size, school facilities doubling as community-use buildings, emphasis on life cycle costing on construction projects, the future of modular school buildings, and the possibility of…