The classroom environment provides a powerful context for learning.  Environments communicate messages to children about what kind of learning is valued and what their role is in the process.  An intellectually engaging learning environment provides various contexts for teaching and learning to occur, such as small groups, individual interactions, whole-group meetings, center choice time, and opportunities for play.  Appropriate learning environments for children will vary based on the ages of the children, time of the year, and the topic of study.  You will design a classroom that implements different grouping strategies.

Steps:

1. What should your classroom have in it? What different items should be included in your classroom for leaning? Design a classroom for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarten, or first grade. The plan should include:

• How many children the room accommodates
• Indoor areas
• Access to outdoor areas
• Learning centers/furniture

Note:  To meet quality standards, you should have a minimum of 50 sq. ft. of indoor space per child.

1. Sketch and draw a detailed floor plan of your classroom. Be creative in your floor plan.

2. Label each area within the room according to the grouping used, such as small group area, whole group meeting area, learning centers, music area, etc. Place all elements you will have in your classroom. You should use a key.

3. Upload your complete floor plan.