POC Category 4: Indoor and Outdoor Learning Environments

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Access to Real Objects
Photo Example
These photos show an environment where children can be actively engaged in hands-on activities using real objects. These materials are thoughtfully organized in different interest areas, allowing children to explore and learn through direct interaction.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Accommodations to the Physical Environment: Setting Up a Classroom for Students with Visual Disabilities
Online Course
Program staff can use this online module by the Vanderbilt IRIS Center to learn about how to accommodate children with visual disabilities in a physical learning environment by becoming familiar with common devices used, techniques on how to guide children, and tips for setting up the classroom.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Video Example
This video illustrates materials that support exploration of infants in an outdoor learning environment through a collection of labeled photographs. Note: This video has no audio.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Children and nature: Do you support the connection?
Publication
This brief guide provides ideas for how to bring real natural objects inside the classroom, as well as ideas for how to use the objects to promote conversation with children. Classrooms can use this guide to generate ideas for incorporating more natural objects.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Children and nature: Do you support the connection?
Publication
This publication by Penn State Extension discusses the benefits of incorporating natural elements in children’s play and how providers can set it up. It also includes pictures from classrooms as examples.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Children’s Artwork (Example A)
Photo Example
This photo shows a display of toddlers’ artwork along with photographs of the children engaging in the original art activity. Notice that the artwork is displayed at children’s eye level, grouped for each child, and includes labels for the different emotion words.
Age(s): Toddler
Classroom Environment Checklist
Checklist
The Classroom Environment Checklist (CEC) is a tool that early childhood professionals can use to evaluate and improve their classroom environments. The tool can be used to set goals for classroom enhancements, track progress over time, and provide direction for coaching or technical assistance.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Division of Interest Areas
Photo Example
These photos show environments where materials are thoughtfully organized to encourage children’s independence and choice. The arrangement of these materials supports various interest areas, allowing children to engage in activities that appeal to them.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Early Childhood Environments: Designing Effective Classrooms
Online Course
This online course reviews key objectives and examples of well-designed indoor early childhood environments. Practitioners will gain strategies on how to design and implement effective physical, social, and temporal environments for children.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool
Environments That Invite Learning
Publication
This tip sheet includes ideas for how to divide interest areas and the types of developmentally appropriate toys and materials to include in each one. This sheet also includes tips for keeping areas organized and refreshed with new materials.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler