I.

Observation 1:
Setting

II. Grade:
Pre-school

III. Students:
2 boys, 2 girls

IV. Setting:
Pre-school classroom at a Somerset County Daycare
Ages (3-5 years old), 4 students, 1 head teacher

V. Pre-Observation:
The objective for this observation was to observe the setting of the classroom and how
this affected the students from learning. To prepare myself for this observation, I read
chapter 1, Becoming a teacher: Looking forward and backward at the same time (Koch,
2016). By reading Chapter 1, I prepared myself to learn the qualities of becoming a good
teacher, but most importantly the school climate and workplace for students. For this
observation, I will also make recommendation that will best fit and accommodate for the
classroom environment.
VI. Data:

Windows
Sink
Bathroom

Table
area

Table

(learninmaterials)
Board/ (learning materials)
Shelf/ Work supplies

Rug/ Listening area

Table

Table
Bookshelf

Rug/
Cubbies

Reading area

VII. Analysis:
The Pre-school classroom was set up nicely for the certain number of students there. As I
walked in the classroom, the walls had educational posters, signs written in Spanish and
English and the students projects as well. The classroom was nicely organized with
individual cubbies for each student, two rectangular tables where the children ate
breakfast/lunch and two circle tables where the children used to work on activities. There
were shelves that had supplies kept in it such as paper, markers, scissors, etc. and
everything was reachable for the students to get which is very important. There is a big
rug in the center of the classroom called the listening area and a board in front of it, this is
where the students would sit and listen to the teacher when she teaches. The library was
set up in a corner of the room with a smaller rug, this provided the students to practice
they’re reading quietly. The sink and the bathroom was set up in the back corner of the
 room, the sink and bathroom was height appropriate for the students which made it easier
for the children to use when needed. There was no teachers desk in the classroom as the
teacher always walked around to check on students.

VIII. Recommendations:

Windows
Sink

Table
Bathroom
area

Play Area
Table

Shelf/ (toys)

(learninmaterials)
Board/ (learning materials)
Shelf/ Work supplies
Rug/ Listening area
Table

Table
Bookshlef

Rug/
Reading area
Cubbies

Even though the classroom was set up appropriately for the students, there are some
changes to be made and to improve the setting of the classroom. For example, I realized
there was no play area for the children. According to the Early Childhood News, “play
provides a way for children to integrate all their new experiences into their rapidly
developing minds, bodies, emotions, and social skills” (Francis Wardle). By providing a
play area, children are learning to communicate and experience with others their age.
Also by having a play area in the classroom, children will learn what is called “sharing”.
As discussed by Susan Miller she explains the importance of sharing during play time,
“talk about the importance of asking before taking or touching others' playthings. School
items (blocks, books) may need to be shared, whereas personal things (nap blanket,
 favorite “teddy”) are difficult to share” (Miller). Overall, having a play area for the
children will provide new skills such as communication, sharing and new experiences.
This will also keep children entertained and active.

IX. Post-Observation:
My first day attending at a Somerset County Daycare, I felt very excited and energetic
but also a little nervous since I didn’t know what to expect. When meeting the teacher,
she was very sweet and told me to ask her any questions. She made me feel very
comfortable. She introduced me to the students and then showed me around the
classroom and explained every station set up in the class. The students were a little shy
when meeting me but as the day went on they opened up and were super sweet! I am
looking forward to going back to the daycare and learning new things.

X. Reference:
Wardle, F. (n.d.). Earlychildhood NEWS. Creating Indoor Environments for Young
Children. Retrieved February 13, 2017

Miller, S. A. (2002). All Set to Share. Early Childhood Today, 16(6), 3.