Curriculum encompasses nearly everything that happens in a classroom. Most of the curriculum should be planned and developmentally appropriate, but often spontaneous and unexpected events occur in a kindergarten classroom. These events can open the door to unplanned lessons. The physical environment of the classroom can make this transition easier. When the physical environment of a classroom is effective, classroom management is easier to maintain, students remain on task longer and the instructional day flows better. Here are elements that help to create effective kindergarten classroom environments.
An Effective Kindergarten Environment
should include consideration of the temporal, interpersonal as well as the physical environment.
The Physical Environment of An Effective Kindergarten Classroom:
o Provides
learning centers that encourage integration of multiple content areas
o Accommodates active and quiet activities
o Provides materials that deepen awareness and knowledge of diversity and multiculturalism
o Permits learners easy access to materials
o Provides sufficient materials
o Offers opportunities for solitary, parallel and group play observable by an adult
o Provides space for individual, small and large group experiences
o Displays materials at learner’s level
o Creates a literacy-rich environment
o Displays a variety of printed messages such as labels, daily schedule, messages, specials, lunch menu, helpers, learners’ names, teacher’s name
