Organizing Space, Materials,

Times, and Transitions

Rebecca Dumestre
Introduction

The arrangement of a Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom is a huge

factor when it comes to the way children learn. The organization of
the room is important because, children need well-designed spaces
that allow them to move around freely and that enable teachers to
interact with them individually, in small, and sometimes all at
once (Kostelnik, Soderman, Whiren, Rupiper, p. 132). Factors that
contribute to a positive learning environment in the classroom
include, sound control, child size materials and furnishings,
mobility, attractiveness, and effective storage. Overall, the makeup
of a classroom greatly impacts a childs disposition to learn.
Organizing Space
 Organizing Space

This classroom provides a fun

environment for students. It is well
organized and colorful. I especially
enjoy the loft because it provides
students with private space where
they can collect their thoughts or
work independently.
I do not like how this classroom
does not have any carpeting. The
lack of carpeting takes away from
the welcoming aspect of the room
Organizing Space

This classrooms natural aesthetic

provides a serene setting for
children. The natural lighting
creates a calming environment.
This room also contains child-sized
furniture which is very important in
a Pre-K or Kindergarten room.
While this room provides a great
environment, it may not be
realistic for many classrooms. I
also think there are too many
plants around the room that would
get in the way of children playing.
Organizing Space

The colors of this classroom are

over stimulating and distracting.
Although this room looks well
organized, it does not make a
great use of space, the corner of
the room where the tables are
placed creates a lack of mobility
in the centers behind them.
Organizing Space

This classroom provides a great

example of organized space. There
is a private space where children
can read. The wall decorations are
meaningful and are not overly
distracting. The carpeted area
creates a more welcoming
environment where children can sit
together during whole group
instruction. The teacher cabinets
are high enough to where children
can reach them.
Organizing Space

This classroom uses fun dividers to

split up space in the classroom.
There is enough space for children
to move around and play in centers.
The tent provides a mobile private
space.
The decorations in this room are
overpowering. There seem to be
many unnecessary posters on the
wall. The ceiling decorations along
with lights create a distracting
environment.
Organizing Space-Resource

20 Tips for a More Organized Classroom

www.teachthought.com
Organizing Space-Resource

Classroom Organization: The Physical Environment

www.scholastic.com
Organizing Space-Resource

Outline Your Classroom Floor Plan

http://classroom.4teachers.org/
Organizing Material
Organizing Material

This picture provides a look a

organizing materials with labels
Organizing Material

Using this Centers chart can help

keep the room organized and
running smoothly
Organizing Material

Color coding markers and

crayons makes the supplies
easily accessible and visually
appealing.
Organizing Material

Finding creative ways to organize

materials helps to make the
classroom more attractive
Organizing Material

Using different types of

containers for materials creates
a creative environment for
children
Organizing Material-Resource

Classroom Organization Tips

https://www.pre-
kpages.com/organize/
Organizing Material-Resource

5 Tips for Organizing Preschool

Classroom Supplies
http://www.reallygoodstuff.com
/community/5-tips-for-
organizing-preschool-classroom-
supplies/
Organizing Material-Resource

18 Amazing Classroom
Organization Tips & Tricks
http://happyteacherhappykids.c
om/18-amazing-classroom-
organization-tips-
tricks/?utm_source=rss&utm_me
dium=rss&utm_campaign=18-
amazing-classroom-organization-
tips-tricks
Organizing Time
Organizing Material-Pre-K Schedule

This schedule does not provide

children with enough time for
free play throughout the day.
Therefore, I do not think it is
developmentally appropriate for
pre-k.
 Organizing Material-Pre-K Schedule
This schedule provides children with
plenty of center time along with small
groups. It also provides appropriate time
for whole group instruction. During Rest
Time, children are given the opportunity
to work quietly instead of being forced to
lay down for thirty minutes.
http://www.kindercare.com/programs-
curriculum/programs-by-age/pre-k-
sample-schedule
Open 9:00 a.m. Arrival and Breakfast
9:00 a.m. 9:25 a.m. Whole-Group Time & Read-Aloud
9:25 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Learning Centers and Small-Group Activities
10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Snack
11:00 a.m. 11:50 a.m. Outdoor Play
11:50 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. 12:45 p.m. Transition
12:45 p.m. 2:15 p.m. Rest Time and Quiet Work Time
2:15 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Learning Centers and Small-Group Activity
3:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m. Whole-Group Time & Read-Aloud
3:15 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Snack
3:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m. Outdoor Play
4:15 p.m. Close
Organizing Material-Kindergarten Schedule

Overall, this Kindergarten

schedule looks developmentally
appropriate. The only thing I
would change would be
extending outdoor play. I think
young children benefit from
having more than thirty minutes
of recess.
Organizing Material-Kindergarten Schedule

This schedule provides

appropriate time for whole
group while also providing
children with a five minute
brain break afterwards. I
would incorporate more free
choice centers into schedule
to allow children to explore
on their own.
Transitions- Morning/Greeting Time
Transitions- Morning/Greeting Time
Transitions- Clean Up Time
Transitions- Clean Up Time
Transitions- Moving From One Place to
Another
Transitions- Moving From One Place to
Another
References

Kostelnik, M. J., Soderman, A. K., Whirren, A. P., & Rupiper, M. L.

(2007). Developmentally appropriate curriculum: best practices
in early childhood education. Merrill Prentice Hall.