Focus on the Prepared Environment

Trish Wymore
11/13/10

I took the following pictures as I sat in four different areas in my current classroom. (Since I am acting as the class guide, the set-up is my own, and reflects my own limited understanding.)

The Shalom Shelf

This shelf features our “vered shalom”, or peace rose, used in our peer conflict resolutions. Above the shelf, I placed an original painting that I created by tracing hands around the words “peace begins with you and me”. There are also calming activities in this area, such as a rock garden. While looking at this shelf from the child's point of view, I felt attracted to the colors and inviting layout. I might like to spend some time looking at the colorful painting.

0-9 Math Shelves

These two shelves contain materials to help the child attain 0-9 competency. When looking at these two shelves, I see that they are fairly organized, and I would like to explore them more. I feel that the shelves are not too crowded, and are easy to keep organized. I can reach everything and carry the baskets easily.

Geography Area

My favorite part of this area is the large framed map of the world hung above the shelf. It calls my attention, but I am too small to see the top!

Hebrew Language Activities

These shelves represent the first stages of our Hebrew language curriculum. Sitting on the floor, I did not feel drawn to these materials. I think it looks too cluttered and I am not sure what to choose first.