The Green Room

Green Classroom Environment

• Art area with materials available for children as their inspiration dictates
• Water table
• Block area
• Loft area for very small group play
• Reading and cozy area
• Science area
• Private bathroom space
• Courtyard for outdoor play

Emerging Developmental Skills

• Strengthening of Self-help skills: toileting, dressing, washing hands, utilizing cubby
• Development of self concept and self esteem
• Verbal Communication with adults and peers
• Increased interest in large group time
• Increased ability to play cooperatively

Example of a Curriculum Project

The teachers noticed that children were spending increased time at the fish tank, observing fish, discussing what they saw, and asking questions about fish. At group time the class had a discussion about the fish tank and decided they would like to learn more about the ocean. The teachers introduced different books (fiction and nonfiction) about the ocean. A parent visited the classroom with her scuba gear — allowing the children to see, smell, feel, and try on the different pieces of equipment. The children use recycled materials to build their own representations of scuba gear to use in the dramatic play area. The class worked together to make a visual representation of a scuba diver to hang on the wall in the classroom. Children used beads, stamps, and art materials to spell the names of different sea creatures. Using artwork and other forms of documentation of their learning, the children gradually transformed their classroom into an underwater environment. As interest waned, the teachers asked the class to recall what they learned about the ocean and guided them to pick a new topic to explore.