How to Set Up an Infant Classroom

The way in which a space for small children is designed can have a dramatic impact on their ability to learn and develop. Poorly designed spaces cause a number of issues including aimless wandering, dependency on teachers, conflicts between student activities and a general lack of control over the class. When designing an infant classroom, it is important to understand the specific developmental needs of an infant and plan for structured and valuable playtime.

Instructions

    • 1

      Think about safety before any other issue. The most important aspect of a classroom for infant children is that it is safe. Look for exposed wall sockets, sharp corners or edges, and toys that could potentially injure a child. Infants in the care of your school should be safe at all times.

    • 2

      Leave the curtains open. Infants need to maintain a connection with the outside world and playing in warm sunlight is more enjoyable for students and teachers alike than sitting under the harsh glow of fluorescent lights. Distractions are less of a concern in infant classrooms.

    • 3

      Create an open center area free of toys or accessories. This will dramatically improve traffic paths through your space and provide you with a central location to gather children for activities involving the entire class.

    • 4

      Designate each area of your classroom as the location of a specific activity. For instance, one corner can be for blocks, while another can be for certain toys. Keeping certain activities in specific areas encourages your students to explore and map the space around them.

    • 5

      Include areas that are somewhat isolated, but can still be easily supervised. Children need space to separate themselves from the larger group to rest. You can accomplish this with small tunnel toys or building slightly separated areas into the class.

    • 6

      Remember to build or purchase safe climbing and exploring equipment. Infants have a strong desire to explore their environments, and providing them with fun and safe equipment to explore keeps their development on track.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • What are the demerits of development?
      Its important to approach the idea of demerits of development with nuance. Development, by its very nature, aims to improve quality of life and address societal needs. However, the process itself can come with unintended consequences. Here are some p
    • Why people have babies?
      People have babies for a variety of reasons, and these motivations can be deeply personal and multifaceted. Here are some common reasons:Biological and Evolutionary:* Instinctual drive: Humans, like many other species, have a biological drive to repr
    • How to Improve the Receptive Language of Infants and Toddlers
      The No. 1 developmental issue in young children is language delay, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Language development and use include not only speaking or verbal behaviors, but also receptive language skills. If you are concerned a