Visual Layout Draft

[WLOs: 4, 5] [CLOs: 1, 3, 4]

Throughout the first three weeks of this course, we have explored various components of creating positive learning environments. All these elements come to life when we can arrange and design our classroom layouts. By strategically considering the physical design of our classroom environments, we can ensure the space is not only inclusive and equitable but also that the schedules, transitions, and routines we design will be able to come to life.

In your Week 1 journal, you had the opportunity to explore various tools that could be used to design the layout of your learning environment. This week, you will build on that work by selecting a tool to use in creating your first draft of your classroom layout. You will share your layout with your peers in the Week 4 Designing the Classroom Environment discussion forum and create a final draft as a piece of your Week 5 Learning Environment Design Project final assignment.

To prepare for this assignment,

• Read Chapter 5: Arranging an Effective Environment.
• Watch the video Spaces: OverviewLinks to an external site..
• Read the article Building Environments That Encourage Positive Behavior: The Preschool Behavior Support Self-AssessmentLinks to an external site..
• Review the webpage The Indoor Environment: Designing and OrganizingLinks to an external site..
• Choose the tool that you will use to create your visual layout for your learning environment:
  • Kaplan FloorPlannerLinks to an external site. (does require you to set up a free account)
  • How to Use Our Classroom Design Tool: A Step-by-Step GuideLinks to an external site.
  • Wondershare EdrawMax Free Editable Classroom LayoutsLinks to an external site.
  • comLinks to an external site.
  • Katy Miller’s Use Floorplanner to Create Your Own Classroom!Links to an external site.
  • CanvaLinks to an external site.
  • PowerPoint
  • Paper and pencil (you will need to take a picture of your drawing)
  • Diorama
  • Another tool of your choice

Preschool Classroom

A 2/3-year-old classroom of 12 students. In the room you have one student Maria who comes from a home where Spanish is only spoken. Maria’s parents seem very interested in supporting her, but language is a barrier for them to communicate their needs to you. You also have one child Johnny who has cognitive and physical delays which require him to work with an aid most of the time when he is in your room. Johnny’s mom is very worried about him and would like to schedule regular meetings with you to review his goals and progress throughout the year. Then, you have a 3-year-old boy Michael who is living with a foster family after being moved around a bit. The family is overwhelmed trying to help him manage his behavior and he tends to lash out at other children often.

Assignment Instructions

There are two parts to your assignment:

Part 1: Visual Layout

• Using the tool of your choice, create a visual layout for your chosen classroom environment.
• Label the layout to identify which of the classrooms you designed it for.

Part 2: Visual Layout Explanation

Using the tool of your choice (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, video, etc.) explain your visual layout by addressing the following:

• Describe how your environmental design encourages play to support achieving developmental milestones for the age group of your chosen classroom.
• Discuss three areas from your visual layout and why they are necessary to include.
• Explain how your visual layout creates an environment that supports classroom management.
• Describe a challenge you had when creating your classroom layout and how you overcame the challenge.