Pondering about where to start with intentionally designing your environment for the start of the new school year can at times seem overwhelming.
One key aspect to think about that is critical all year but especially at the beginning of the year is making the space belong to the students – not to the teacher! The classroom space should reflect the learners.
At the beginning of year, building the space for the learners would include designing for the importance of building a community of learners- of creating the environment to assist with being a school family.
IDEAS:
- Add pictures of each child’s family to a family bulletin board or have them in frames in the dramatic play area.
- Create identity panel, with photo on one side and self -portrait on the other side.
- Create a chandelier or a piece of art work together as a class that is displayed in the room.
- Allows pairs or small groups of students to work together on art projects to build friendships and have a piece in the classroom that they can continue to discuss and show to others.
collaborative art journeyinotearlychildhood.com
What are some ways that you build the classroom to reflect the students and build your classroom community?
Journey into Early Childhood 