Lesson 10 : Creative Environments for Children- Physical Facilities
Physical facilities
The setting in which a creative activity takes place is very important. Young children are very perceptive of mood and environment. The arrangements of space and environment provided have impact on child’s creative experiences.
General Guidelines for physical setting
Some basic guidelines to consider when evaluating the early childhood facility are:
A rectangular room seems to lend itself more readily to activate than a square one. L-shaped rooms are difficult to supervise the young children.
The draperies and carpets should be used to eliminate noise, as well as add beauty and comfort.
Wall colors should be selected that add to the light to the room. Yellow light shades of blue are good. It is best if walls are washable at lower side.
Floors should be sanitary, easily cleaned, suited to hard ware, comfortable for children to sit on and should lessen the sound effect. Some suitable floor coverings are linoleum, rubber or plastic tiles.
Proper heat, light and ventilation are important. Remember that children live closer to the floor and the exhaled warm air rises and must be replaced by cooler air through windows..
Running water and sinks are must for preparing and cleaning up after some creative activities. They should be near the area where they are needed and easily reachable.
Easy-to-reach storage space for daily used equipment should be provided so that children learn to put the things in the racks.
Chairs should be light enough for the children to handle and move without too much noise.
Shelves should be low and open so that children have a chance to see, touch and choose materials independently.
There should be few tables with washable surfaces that accommodate 4-6 children for group activities.
Bulletin board provides space for display of creative work.
Participants