Myriam Hernandez

Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018

1.School: Ann T. Lynch ES Telephone:(702)799-8820

2.Teacher: Mrs.Smith Age/grade level: 4/PreK

3.Number children enrolled in the class: Am class 14

4.List all of the centers and the number of children each

center can accommodate.
 Myriam Hernandez
Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018

Center Number of Children

Math 4

Art 4

Dramatic play 4

Blocks 4

Writing 4

Library 4

Science 4

5.On a separate page, draw a floor plan of the classroom witheach center identified(15 pts)
 Myriam Hernandez
Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018
File
Smart Board cabin
et
Library

Teac

Des
her

k
Cubb Rug area
Shel Shelf
ies
f
Shelf

Wall
Center

Math
Math
Cent

Tabl
Tabl
Writi
Word
small

Tables
grou

Tabl
ng

er

e
e
p

e
/
wall

Science

Cub Center
bies

Cent
Shelf

Tabl
Art
Block Dramatic

er
DO

e
OR Center Play
Cabi

Cabi

Sink
net

net
RM
15

6.Before engaging in your observation, develop a comprehensive checklist you will use evaluate
the classroom’s physical environment. (Do not include the outdoor environment.)
 Myriam Hernandez
Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018

a. Items in your checklist must come from the on-line reading, video and section on
Space & Furnishings (p. 15 - 27) found in ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale).
b. Be sure to use only those items which address the physical environment.

c. Organize the items in your checklist into the following categories

1) Arrangement of Physical Space

● Ample indoor space that allows children and staff to circulate freely, enough
space for mealtimes, group times, and suitable space for activities in free play.
Yes, there was enough space in each center and throughout the classroom for children and staff.

● Centers requiring more space (e.g., blocks, dramatic play, very popular or active
play) have sufficient space to accommodate the type of play required and the
number of children who want to participate.
Yes, both blocks and dramatic play area had the biggest play areas in the classroom.

● At least 2 play areas have sufficient space for the type of play encouraged by the
materials (e.g., chairs do not usually block access to materials on shelves; active
areas have more space).
Yes, areas have sufficient space to be used with appropriate materials
● Space is arranged so that classroom pathways generally do not interrupt play.
Yes, all centers have clear pathways
● At least 5 interest centers are used, including a cozy area protected from active
play.
Yes, 7 centers available for children
● Visual boundaries
Yes, all centers are separated by furniture and clear to tell it’s a different center

● Quiet and noisy play areas are all separated from one another, not just by furniture
but by physical space."
Yes, the noisy centers are on the opposite side of the room than the quiet centers

● All play areas requiring special provisions are conveniently equipped (e.g., art and
sand/water interest centers have easily cleaned surfaces and sink nearby; block
center has rug to reduce noise).
Yes, art center is right next to a sink
 Myriam Hernandez
Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018

● An indoor space for privacy is accessible and physically set up in the classroom to
discourage interruptions (e.g., easel for 1 child; writing table with 1 or 2 chairs;
indoor beanbag toss game where only 2 children are allowed to play at one time)."
Yes, all centers are for 4 student but they all have materials to be played alone or 2
children.
● Children are allowed to play alone or with a friend, without interfering with other
children’s access to play areas or interest centers designed for more children.
Yes, all centers are for 4 student but they all have materials to be played alone or 2
children.

● Space(s) has at least 2 convenient features (e.g., such as water fountain; close to
toilets; accessible storage).
Yes, sink and water fountain available in class
● Observed gross motor spacer(s) has at least 2 types of play surfaces, 1 hard and 1
soft, so that different types of activities are possible.
Not present,
● Space(s) arranged and used so that different activities do not interfere with one
another (e.g., needing to walk through one center to get to another center).

Yes, all center have clear entrance and exit

2) Learning Materials, Equipment and Furniture

● About half of the display is related to current interests of children in the group,
and one can easily tell what children's interests are, or what they are discussing.
 Myriam Hernandez
Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018

Yes, anchor charts and picture around the classroom

● Chairs and tables are child-sized for 75% of the children (e.g., when sitting back
in chair: feet touch floor, knees fit comfortably under table, table tops at about
elbow height).
Yes, all age and height appropriate.
● About one-third of the display materials are children’s individualized artwork
Yes, artwork made by children displayed by art, writing, and library centers
● Three-dimensional child-created work is displayed, in addition to flat work.
Not present
● Two pieces of furniture, each designed for a specific activity,used for that activity.
(e.g., easel for art; sand-water table; housekeeping furniture; woodworking
bench).
Yes, art center has easel and table
● Some gross motor equipment is used by the children for at least 15 minutes of the
observation (e.g., each child has a reasonable chance to use the available
equipment, without long waits)."

● At least half of the accessible equipment (both portable and stationary) is

appropriate for the age and ability of the children, and no equipment that could be
considered "extremely dangerous “is ever used.
Yes , all appropriate and safe
● Equipment stimulates at least 7 different skills.

Yes
● There is enough equipment. (stationary and portable) to interest all of the children
and keep them active and involved.
Yes, each center has enough equipment for all student.
● Equipment is accessible to the children for at least 30 minutes during the
observation.
Yes
Adaptations are made or special equipment provided for children with disabilities in the group
who require them.
N/A
● All observed equipment is appropriate for the children's age and ability.
Yes, no children had and sort of difficulty with equipment
● Use of ample and varied equipment is observed, (e.g., no waiting to use popular
equipment; blocks; musical instruments; enough dolls; art supplies, different skills
encouraged by equipment).
Yes, enough of everything for children to play with

3) Storage of Materials and Equipment

 Myriam Hernandez
Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018

● Ample furniture for routine care, play, and learning (e.g., children’s possessions
stored without items touching those of another child; children eat or work at
tables without crowding; the vast majority of materials are not crowded on
shelves).
Yes, enough room for everyone and everything
● Routine care furniture is convenient to use (e.g., cubbies and cot/mats are easily
accessible without leaving room)."
Yes, everything in classroom
● All furniture is clean and in good repair (e.g., no tears in soft furnishings that
expose padding; all surfaces clean and well-maintained).
Yes, furniture looked clean and so did all the rugs in the class.
4) Other Elements of Physical Environment This
section is to include items that don’t fit into the above categories, eg. adequate
ventilation; natural lighting present.

● Most indoor surfaces are durable and easy to clean and maintain, space is
reasonably clean and well-maintained, space is generally in good repair (e.g., no
major hazards that could cause injury or illness, and few minor problems such as
a slightly torn rug or missing sections of the baseboards).
Yes, classroom was in good conditions
● Furnishing(s) providing a substantial amount of softness accessible (Ex: mattress;
upholstered child-sized couch; group of several large cushions).
Yes soft chair in reading and dramatic play center
● Adequate lighting, natural light can be controlled (e.g., adjustable blinds or
curtains)
Not Present
● ventilation control, comfortable temperature, ventilation can be controlled (e.g.,
windows can open; fan used by staff).
Not Present
● reasonable noise level (e.g., staff and children usually talk without
Yes inside voice implemented and soft voices in Library
● raising voices to be heard; room is not stuffy or gloomy).
Yes room has no echo

7.Using the organized checklist you developed, observe the

physical environment of the classroom. If an item on your
checklist is present, evaluate the quality of its presence in the
classroom. If an item on your checklist is absent, mark it as
 Myriam Hernandez
Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018

“not present”. (30 pts)!!

Partial example of checklist and evaluation of the items.
!Arrangement of Physical Space
1.Centers are clearly defined:
Most centers were clearly defined either by
carpeted areas or by shelving. The only center not well defined was the
art center. This center was only present if the teacher placed materials for the children to
use on a work table which also doubled as a snack table.
2.Dead Space:
Not present
*Answers to number 7 in red on checklist*
8.Describe and evaluate how the teacher represented the
issue of Diversity in the physical environment. (5 pts)
I feel the teacher does a good job at representing diversity. Teacher represents issue in several
ways. She has a family tree near the library with pictures of students and their families including
hers and assistants family. In the dramatic play area there are different culture foods and dolls. In
the block she has different family figure toys and has different cultures and families puzzles in
math center.

9.
A.Write a detailed observation of The classroom in action.
Focus on how the room arrangement influences the
children’s social interactions, and the children’s use of the
room and its materials.If you observe a preschool classroom,
you must observe during child directed play. If you observe
K-2nd grade, you must observe at a time when the children
have the greatest “free use” of the classroom. (10pts)
 Myriam Hernandez
Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018

(A) Right after opening circle children sat down with a buddy at rug area and discussed with
each other what center they were going to go play at. After each student chose their center every
center was open and being used by a student. I feel the room arrangement influences the children
in a positive way. Children were able to choose an activity or toy of their choice and socialized
with each other in the centers. All center have a pretty decent space and can accommated the 4
children to a center with no problem either on the designated table or the carpet space in that
center. Children were in and out of centers after they cleaned up their original center. All center
had rules which where anchor charts with max 4 pictures and it seemed every children knew how
to play with the materials and if not teacher would model or asked a student who know how to
play with that to show other student.
b.Write an evaluation of the room arrangement based on
what you observed re: the children’s use of the
classroom/materials and their social interactions. Include
specific examples from your observation to
Support your conclusions. (10 pts)
(b)Overall i think the classroom is okay.When you walk in the classroom you can tell it’s an
organized room. All centers have colored label of where items go and at clean up time you can
see how the children would remind each other or direct friend who placed something wrong to
look at the labels. Teacher also had visual boundaries and it is was easy for children to tell apart
the centers.However, it was interesting to see most of the students still struggled to identify
which center was which and i notice most of the signs are so small(half a sheet) and not at eye
level. When the children where at play they could choose whatever they wanted to play and they
were allowed to go into whichever center they wanted to play as long as the 4 to4 at a center
where met and could move if someone else left.Also i liked that all areas in the room are used for
example I like that the whole rug area is available for those who want to play alone or play with
a game that is for two.
2.Write an overall evaluation of the Learning Environment.
(21 pts)
a. Rating: Using a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best, if you
were the director or principal of this school how would
you rate this learning environment?
 Myriam Hernandez
Physical Observation
ECE 251
October 7, 2018

b. b.Strengths & Weaknesses: Specifically explain your

rating by identifying the strengths and weaknesses you
observed.
c. c.Improvements: Identify specific improvements, you,
as the administrator,would expect to see.
I would give this classroom a 4. Overall i feel the layout of the classroom is great and all the
material and equipment are in good shape and are being used by students. However, i feel not all
centers have the necessary items to extend their learning. For example, only 4 puzzles where
available at the math center. The art center was open but only construction paper in different
colors and markers, crayon, and color pencils where available. No glue or collage material were
out and scissors where off limits for that day. I feel the learning environment is good because it
was child directed and overall the children gets to do what they are interested in for that day. I
feel that is actually one of the strengths in the classroom. The way the teacher lets the student
talk to each other and talk about what they wanted to do and then let them choose where they
wanted to go. Another, strength i would say is the lay out and the use of the classroom.
Everything is open and utilized by the students. One of the weakness I would say is the material
in each center. Like the science center only has magnets and insects no sensory items or different
choices. Also like in the art has no paint or collage items are available and the easel is there but
not being used. So that being said that biggest improvement i would do is offer more choices for
the centers. I know that might be affected by budget but i would find even do it yourself items
and add them to the centers.