Preparing the preschool environment

Being intentional with planning and preparing in your classroom will make learning meaningful for your students!

There was a time in my teaching career when I spent the majority of my preparation time researching and writing out my daily lesson plans. This was time well spent, make no mistake about that. Because of all those years writing and implementing my own lesson plans, I built up a library of ideas that I can now draw from in a pinch. From fingerplays and children’s books on just about any topic to ideas for art, math, science – I have years of experiences I can pull together at a moments notice right off the top of my head. However, where I used to spend my time writing lesson plans, I now spend the majority of my time creating and organizing the classroom environment.

Preparing the preschool environment by Teach Preschool

Preparing the Environment

You see, it isn’t the lessons that I have planned that ultimately teach my preschoolers how to get along, make good decisions, and work independently. It’s the environment that fosters this type of learning…

Preparing the Preschool Environment by Teach Preschool

And it isn’t the lessons that I have planned that will ultimately teach my young students to be creative, mathematical, scientific, critical thinkers. The environment teaches that too…

Preparing the Preschool Environment by Teach Preschool

Being Intentional

So I spend much of my time making sure every area of my classroom is carefully considered and that each area is as intentional in design as I can possibly make it…

However, now I spend the majority of my time creating and organizing my classroom environment. Today, I want to share a few of my reflections on the classroom environment...

From what goes up on the walls…

Preparing the Preschool Environment by Teach Preschool

To what sits on each shelf around the classroom…

Preparing the Preschool Environment by Teach Preschool

To what is on the back of a bookshelf…

Preparing the Preschool Environment by Teach Preschool

To what is down on the floor…

Preparing the Preschool Environment by Teach Preschool

Everything has a purpose or reason for being there…

Preparing the Preschool Environment by Teach Preschool

Preparing Meaningful Lessons

So what are my lesson plans for? They help me come to preschool prepared to assist the environment in the teaching and learning process, but not to take over the environment…

Preparing the Preschool Environment by Teach Preschool

I think both the lesson plan and the environment add value to the preschool classroom as long as one understands the value and role each play in helping children find success…

Preparing the Preschool Environment by Teach Preschool

The lesson plan and the environment must work in partnership…

The lesson plan helps the teacher come prepared for a successful day

but the environment helps the children prepare for a successful life!

 

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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