3 Creating Safe Indoor Environments
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
- Connect classroom design to safety and injury prevention.
- Discuss ways to handle unsafe behaviour by understanding the function of behaviours.
- Describe how teachers can ensure the toys and materials they offer children do not present injury risks and are nontoxic.
- Explain ways adults can support safe and developmentally appropriate use of technology.
- Lists ways to protect children from choking, poisoning, burns, drowning, and falls.
- Identify how to implement safe sleep practices to protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Introduction
Designing an effective and engaging classroom environment takes careful thought and planning, but it’s important. A well-organized classroom that is interesting, orderly, and attractive contributes to children’s participation and engagement with the learning materials and activities. This engagement, in turn, contributes to children’s learning.
Let’s look at it from a child’s perspective. We want children to feel safe and comfortable in the classroom. We want them to be interested in the learning activities and to take full advantage of being at school and take full advantage of the activities you’ve planned and the materials you’ve selected. It can be helpful to get down at a child’s level and take a look at the classroom. Does it feel welcoming and inviting? Is there enough room to move, make choices, and stay involved with a toy or activity or project? And does the room help the child know what to do and what’s expected?
Designing an Effective and Safe Classroom Environment
There are all sorts of classrooms. They differ by size and shape, amount of light and wall space, placement of sinks and counters, and amount of storage. Figuring out how to design the physical space and to maximize children’s interactions within the space will take some time. Make a floor plan. Move things around. Take a look at other classrooms and see what works.
Here are a few things to think about when designing your space and making it as workable as possible. Think about the number of interest areas or centers that you want or need for the group of children. Arrange the space so that noisy areas are separated from quiet areas. Locate centers next to needed storage or equipment. Use furniture or other items to provide boundaries. But, make sure that the adults can see all of the areas of the room. [2]
Factors to Consider
Space and boundaries:
- Are the centers clearly defined with furniture, rugs, or shelves?
- Is there enough space for all children to easily move about the room?
- In each defined area, is there adequate space for the number of children using it?
Proximity and distance:
- Are the quiet and noisy areas in proximity or separated?
- Are centers located near things that children need to complete projects (art center near sink, puzzle or game shelves within reach of tables, etc.)?
- Are teachers able to