Materials
Any small item (may be theme related)
Extra teacher or adult
Instructions
1. Because classroom furnishings and equipment often are made of plastic, the
learning environment can appear hard and cold. There are many ways to add
items to soften the room's environment. Bring in fresh flowers when possible,
and add live plants to the classroom. (For example, put a plant on top of a
toilet tank to soften an angular bathroom.)
2. Cover tables with cotton or linen cloths, or use lengths of materials in seasonal
patterns. Hang cotton or other natural fiber curtains on the windows. Add soft
place mats to the Dramatic Play Area and the Snack Area.
3. Use carpet tape to join neutral-colored carpet samples, then use these rugs to
soften floor areas. An Oriental-patterned rug adds a lot of visual interest and
an "upscale" look to the room. Or, add a bath rug with rubber backing to the
Dramatic Play Area or the Library.
4. Store small toys in straw or wicker baskets. Use baskets to store art materials.
5. Fill a few baskets with natural items that the children can explore. Select
materials such as seashells, sea sponges, dried flower petals, pine cones, seed
pods, fresh fruit, mixed nuts in shells, gourds, miniature pumpkins, dried
flowers, or small branches. Add a magnifying glass for in-depth exploration.
(Change the items regularly to help children's interest.)
More to do
Art: Provide natural materials for children to use in art. Suggestions include
feathers, cotton balls, broom straw, twigs, seashells, pebbles, pressed flowers and
flower petals, pressed leaves, wicker from unraveled baskets, fabric scraps,
wooden clothespins, scraps of wood, wool yarn, and cotton yarn.
More Art: Designate one area as an art gallery. Collect cast-off wooden frames
and refurbish them, if necessary. Before giving them to the children, pre-cut art
paper to fit the various frames. Display paintings and drawings in the frames by
attaching them to the backs of the frames with a few strips of masking tape.
Changing the pictures from week to week is quick and easy.
Math: Provide shells, twigs, and pebbles for counting activities.
