Chapter 8 Setting the Stage for Learning Space

Chapter 8 Setting the Stage for Learning

Space for Learning l Order ¡ Designing different spaces for different kinds of learning activities. ¡ Learning Centers or Learning Stations. ¡ Create walkways. ¡ Supply bins for each small group of children.

Space for Learning l Materials for Supply Bin l Attendance record sheets l Glue or paste l Pen l Cards l 3 X 5 or 4 X 6, Magazines (for pictures) l Post-it Notes l Clay, modeling (non-toxic) l Markers, fine & broad tipped l Rulers l Clip boards l Paper, plain & special l Scissors

Space for Learning l Comfort ¡ Furniture Sizes for l Beginners (0 -2 yrs); Different Ages • Chair Seat From Floor: 8 -10 in. (20 -25 cm. ); • Table Top From Floor (Write or Eat): 18 -20 in. (45 -50 cm) l Kindergarten (3 -5 yrs. ) • Chair Seat From Floor: 10 -12 in. (25 -30 cm. ); • Table Top From Floor (Write or Eat): 20 -22 in. (50 -55 cm. ) l Primary (6 -9 yrs. ) • Chair Seat From Floor: 12 -14 in (30 -35 cm. ) • Table Top From Floor (Write or Eat): 22 -24 in (55 -60 cm. ) l Junior – Earliteen (10 -14 yrs) • Chair Seat From Floor: 14 -16 in. (35 -40 cm. • Table Top From Floor (Write or Eat): 24 -26 in. (60 -65 cm. ) l Adults • Chair Seat From Floor: 16 in. (40 cm. ) • Table Top From Floor (Write or Eat): 28 -30 in (70 -75 cm. )

l Comfort ¡ Furniture which fits the children. ¡ Round tables for small groups and cooperative learning. They also work well for crafts. ¡ Rectangular tables for learning centers and crafts.

Space for Learning l Comfort ¡ Natural lighting, if possible, supplemented by non-glare lighting. ¡ Consistent temperature controllable from within the room. ¡ Good ventilation and air exchange. ¡ In cold climates, carpeting or rugs on the floor for babies and young children. ¡ Paint the walls a soothing color appropriate to your culture.

Space for Learning l Safety ¡ Beginners should never handle scissors. ¡ Blunt scissors are appropriate for Kindergartners to use with close adult supervision. ¡ Children enter the Primary level using blunt scissors, but leave using sharp-point scissors.

Christ-like Atmosphere l Acceptance ¡ Jesus By the Teacher showed His acceptance of His students by calling them by name. ¡ Jesus also showed he respected and valued each individual he met and taught. ¡ Jesus expected the best from His disciples.

Christ-like Atmosphere l Acceptance ¡ Be By the Teacher an advocate for your children. Explain the need for special programming for children and youth. l Post pictures and news about children’s activities. l Organize fund raisers to purchase needed equipment for the children’s programs and activities. l Keep the pastoral staff informed about activities for children. l

Christ-like Atmosphere l Acceptance ¡ Be By the Teacher an advocate for your children. Find food, clothing, and housing for children in need. l Stand up for a child who is being mistreated or misunderstood. l Encourage the Nominating Committee to find leaders for children’s programs first. Encourage nominating junior greeters or deacons/deaconesses. l Encourage adults to learn the names of all the children and youth in the church and greet them frequently. l

Christ-like Atmosphere l Acceptance ¡ Provide By Peers opportunities for children to work together in cooperative learning groups. ¡ Start a Friendship Club for primaries and juniors at your church. ¡ Social times and service activities.

KEYS TO SETTING THE STAGE FOR LEARNING Create space for small-group and large-group activities with walkways around the room. l Create learning centers for different types of learners. l Provide supplies for each small group. . l

KEYS TO SETTING THE STAGE FOR LEARNING Make a comfortable room with furniture sized for children and good lighting, temperature, and ventilation. l Create a physically and emotionally safe room where children feel safe, and accepted and loved by teachers and other children. l Be an advocate for individual children and all the children of your church. l