Michelle Benzon

Professor Westfall

ECE 251

10/7/18

Physical Environment Observation

1) School: Southern Highlands Preparatory School

Telephone: (702) 617-6030

2) Teacher: Kristine Lambert

Age/Grade level: Preschool, 4 year old classroom

3) Number of children: 16

4) Centers:

*Library- 2 students

*Art- 4 students

*Writing- 2 students

*Math-4 students

*Easel- 2 students

*Housekeeping-4 students

*Block area- 4 students

*Science- 4 students

5) Floor Plan- Uploaded with assignment as a separate document

6) Comprehensive Checklist:
 1) Arrangement of Physical Space

- Centers are clearly labeled- yes, each center had a label and picture identifying each

center

- The number of students in each center is limited- yes, the students counted the

number of children before going in. If they could not remember how many could be in the center

they would ask the teacher after they counted.

- Children have a space that is specific to them- yes, the cubby area was right when

you walked into the room and clearly labeled with each child’s name

- Centers are easily accessible- yes, the centers are easy to access but I did not like how

the science area was pushed up against a table making it hard for students to move comfortably

-Clear pathways- yes, the pathways were clear for walking

-Is there dead space? No dead space present

-Can the teacher view each center from any point in the room? yes

-Children’s art or work displayed? yes

-Pictures of children and their family- yes, each child had a framed picture of their

family on display in the classroom

2) Learning Materials/ Equipment and Furniture

- Soft areas easily accessible- yes, tow students at a time could sit on a bean bag chair

- Materials are open ended- yes

- Materials are at child level- yes

 -Materials have different difficulty level- this was especially present in the Math and

writing center.

- Materials are natural- yes, several of the materials were natural objects or made in a

natural wood like material

- Materials are durable- yes, except for the more expendable art materials

3) Storage of Materials

- Teachers materials are easily accessible- yes, the teacher has a cupboard above the sink that

she was able to access while still being able to have eyes on the classroom

-Materials are labeled- yes

-Shelves are labeled- yes

4) Other Elements:

-Windows- there is a beautiful full sized wall window in the classroom

- Natural lighting- yes

-Adequate ventilation- yes

-Is the classroom inviting? Yes, the room was filled with the children’s work and the setup of

the room was very inviting.

Diversity: in the library there were Multicultural books on display. In the housekeeping area

there were pictures of children with disabilities doing various school activities. The teacher had a

family picture of each student to show the diversity in the room.

Classroom in Action: The housekeeping area was busy the entire time I was there. The children

really enjoyed this center and they loved the block area. I observed a few students feeling upset

or frustrated during center time and utilize the library for a place to calm down. Both students

left the area after few minutes and returned to more social play. I observed the science area as

being one that students could explore more individually and investigate materials. The children

roamed the room freely. There were no instances of congestion. The students put materials away

when they done playing and seemed to know where they went.

Evaluation: My overall evaluation of the classroom is that it is arranged in a manner that is very

inviting and easily accessible to students. Because students showed the ability to count their

friends before entering a center shows me that the teacher has established clear guidelines during

center time that are easy for the children to follow. Watching students writing notes to their

friends in another center demonstrates a class unity and although the centers are separated the

students felt connected to everyone in the room.

Rating: 4

Strengths and Weaknesses:

Weaknesses: The one science area that seems crammed up against the window. Not easy for

students to access.

Strengths: Natural lighting, use of natural materials

Improvements: Make more soft areas, more carpet areas