Environment Observation

50 points
Toddler Classroom Layout

 List all the interest areas you see in this classroom (ie. Library, art, science etc.) 5 pts.
In the Toddler Classroom Layout, I see a sand/water table, blocks center, dramatic play area, a
literacy/circle area, an art center, a manipulatives center, and an activity area.

 Do the center areas have the following: Is there enough materials, are the materials in
good condition, are they age appropriate. 5 pts
Based on the number of different centers, I believe that there would be enough materials.
Some examples of the materials that are age appropriate in each center are:
Sand/water table: small shovels and buckets, animals to play in the water or sand with
Blocks: plastic blocks, large Legos
Dramatic Play: baby dolls, kitchen & table, plastic food and cooking utensils
Literacy/Circle: soft pillows or cushions to sit on, shelves for books
Art: table, easels, crayons, paper, art smocks, paintbrushes and paint
Manipulatives: puzzles, small action figures/people, train set with tracks, cars
Activity Area: table to use for puzzles, or to play on

 Is there DEAD SPACE? (ei. Areas where children can hide, areas where they are not
visible to teachers) (5 pts)
There is a small section of dead space in the blocks area, with both shelves put together the
teacher will not be able to see in that corner of the room. The reason the setup is like this is
because the shelves kind of make the center its own area, however, if one of the shelves was
positioned against the wall instead the teacher would be able to see that corner. In between
the changing table and sink, there is another small section that children could be hidden from
view in.

 Does the classroom flow? (5 pts)

I think that the classroom does have flow. The door opens next to shelves or cubbies, and then
it’s a big open play area. The centers are separated but not completely closed off. The changing
table is next to the bathroom, which is nice for potty training. The food prep and eating area are
right next to each other and away from all of the toys.
  Rating: Using a scale from 1-5, how would you rate this environment? Defend your
answer. (5 pts)
I would rate this environment a 4 out of 5. I believe that it has enough space for the 12 children
that can fit in the room. I also believe that the centers that are included in the room are
important and they all seem to have their own area to help the children focus on what they’re
playing with. Having everything separated makes the children choose what they want to play
with. I appreciate the sand and water table, and the tables at most of the stations. More often
than not, I see children using the same table that they eat at for art, puzzles, dramatic play, and
manipulatives. The designated areas encourage children to work in the different stations. I
would like more outside access. Windows showing the outside world are beneficial to children
and the natural light is also great to have in the room.

 Strengths: List 3 strengths you saw in this environment (10 pts)

3 things in this classroom that I believe are strengths are the sand/water table, the large
dramatic play area, and the special art area. I think that having an area designated to art
specifically is nice because it gives children more of an opportunity to be creative. A lot of
classrooms have their art stuff to the side or high up where the children cannot access it. It’s
nice to have its own area because if it’s not being used than it will just be a dead space in the
middle of the classroom, so I believe that it would be used often. The dramatic play area looks
spacious and has a lot of option. I appreciate that there is a special table for dramatic play, and
it is not shared with art or eating. I think that the sand/water table is amazing! Children learn
through senses and sand/water are great for that. Along with that, you can do so many
experiences in the sand or in the water. Some classrooms do not even have these!

 Improvement: List 3 improvements you could see benefiting the children’s learning. (10
pts)
One improvement that I could see benefitting the children’s learning is having the changing
table closer to the bathroom so that the children getting their diaper changed can more easily
see their peers using the toilets. This can help encourage potty training. Another improvement I
see is that the blocks could be less blocked off. If it were a little more open, more children may
be interested in playing and have more of an opportunity to play with other students. One last
improvement that I see is that there is only one window! The children should be able to see
more of the outside world or have more access to it.

 List 3 DAP principles that will support your ideas for strengths or improvements. (5 pts)
DAP Organization and Access to Materials (Strength) – Caregivers space individual items so
toddlers can make deliberate choices
DAP Play and Learning Areas (Strength) – Caregivers organize the space into interest or activity
areas, including areas for concentrated small-group play, solitary play, dramatic play, and
construction.
DAP Play Development (Strength) – Caregivers understand that toddlers learn about the world
through exploration and give them daily opportunities for exploratory activity at children’s
developmental level (sand/water table).