Learning Environment in Kindergarten

Learning Environment

  • A positive and caring classroom environment is important for student learning at any age. For our Kindergarten students, many of whom are experiencing school for the first time, classroom environment plays an especially important role in their academic and social development. Planning your classroom environment is one of the most exciting parts of being a teacher.  It can be daunting to fit everything you want into your space while making it feel warm and inviting.  What you have in your classroom is important, but it is how you use the space and the furniture that will set the kindergarten classroom apart. It is crucial that we teachers establish the environment to allow for multiple, flexible groupings, to provide opportunities for students to play and explore, and to work within the parameters of our students' developmental needs. This will maximize your effectiveness as a kindergarten teacher. 

    “You walk through the door and are transported to a place where children and literacy can blossom. The space isn’t big, but every inch is being utilized thoughtfully.is a classroom library in the corner with labeled baskets of books and some cool chairs that make you want to curl up and read. On the walls are charts made by the students and teacher that show what they’ve been learning. There’s an area for whole-group teaching and a separate space with a table for small-group teaching. This room is a place where the teacher works to meet the needs of all students in a variety of instructional settings, including whole group, small group, one-on-one, partner work at stations, and cooperative groups. It’s a place where children are valued.”

    (Debbie Diller, Spaces and Places 2008) 

    The Sunnyvale School District has provided the following as best practices to help guide your decisions as you set up your classroom:  

    1. Teacher builds supportive and caring relationships with students

    2. Learning content and strategies are culturally responsive

    3. Teacher moves around to support learning and the physical space is neat, orderly, and organized for flexible grouping
    4. Routines and procedures are communicated clearly and consistently 
Learning Environment 2

  • Teacher builds supportive and caring relationships

    • Classroom has a designated area where the class meets together for meetings, discussions and instruction
    • Character and community building are taught in many different ways
    • Conflict resolution strategies are taught and modeled and support students to independently solve problems
    • Students experience a variety of classroom jobs and leadership roles
    • Student work is displayed throughout the classroom

    Learning content and strategies are culturally responsive

    • Classroom library includes books that depict a variety of cultures and that are written in multiple languages
    • Families feel welcome in the classroom
    • Families are informed of classroom learning and activities through newsletters, classroom websites, information easels
    • Multicultural music, toys and technology are incorporated into regular routines in the classroom

    Teacher moves around to support learning and the physical space is neat, orderly, and organized for flexible grouping

    • Furniture is arranged in the classroom to facilitate easy movement and access
    • Students are taught to take pride and ownership in maintaining the classroom
    • Materials and resources are easily accessed by students
    • Student seating is flexible based on social and academic needs
    • Teacher often pulls students into small groups for differentiated instruction but can easily gather students whole class 
    • The teacher has structures in place to pull different groups of students throughout the school day
    • Teacher is not stuck behind a desk

       
Learning Environment 3

  • Routines and procedures are communicated clearly and consistently

    • Classroom rules are created with student input
    • Routines and rules are illustrated and are referred to regularly
    • Consequences and rewards are consistent and known by all students
Learning Environment 4

  • Kindergarten classrooms should have:

    • Carpet for whole group instruction
    • Library
    • Math manipulatives
    • Colorful and bright walls
    • Student access to classroom materials
    • Student tables/desks
    • Centers set up around the room
    • Dramatic play area
    • Blocks
    • An abundance of words, letters and numbers
    • Student work on the walls
    • Tables for small group instruction