How preschool classrooms are arranged can have a big impact on the children’s learning, safety, and behavior. When it is done well, the overall atmosphere in the classroom is calmer and more focused. The children are more actively focused on learning. It is easier to supervise the children properly. There are fewer behavior problems. This course will review the basic learning centers that should be included in a developmentally appropriate preschool classroom and tips on room arrangement to support safety and behavior.

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Given the list of learning centers/interest areas reviewed in this section, identify three and discuss the appropriate equipment, materials, and/or supplies that should be available in that center
• Given the interest areas presented, identify three and briefly discuss how each interest area is expected to enhance learning
• Given a scenario, discuss your response to a teacher who has designed an inappropriate floor plan for the arrangement of furniture and materials in a classroom