Return to the Helpful Hints Homepage Helpful Hints: Creating Interest Areas Setting up interest areas with in the classroom is important for the making of a classroom that promotes the growth and development for a child. Here are areas that are typically in an early childhood classroom: • Blocks (unit blocks, people and transportation) • Dramatic Play (kitchen set, dress-up clothes & dolls) • Fine Motor or Manipulative (tables, puzzles, pegs & beads) • Art (easels, paint, crayons & paper) • Sand & Water (sand and water table, funnels, measuring cups & sponges) • Library (book display, books & soft cushions) • Music and Movement (dance/prop storage, musical instruments/players) • Storage for Personal Belongings (lockers, storage bins, etc.)   Helpful Hints: Changing the Environment to Change the Behavior BEHAVIOR POSSIBLE CAUSES HOW TO CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT Running in the classroom Too many open spaces Use shelves & furniture to divide the space into smaller areas. Fighting over toys Few duplicated toys; children are asked to share too often. Provide duplicates of toys; each taking turns by use of a bell, a sand timer or list. Wandering around; unable to choose an activity Not enough to do, Room too cluttered, not clear choices. Remove clutter. Simplify the layout of the room. Add activity choices and materials. Easily distracted; trouble staying on task. Open, under-defined areas which allow children to see everything going on in the room. Define areas with shelves to cut down on distraction. Materials used roughly; children resist cleaning up materials. Materials on shelves are messy and not in order. Make a place for everything, Mark each place with pictures. The aforementioned are professional opinions. All of these are the sole property of WDM, Inc. Any use of the contents, above statements, or ideas requires the written permission of WDM, Inc. Violators will be prosecuted. Helpful Hint of the Month... Here's a great Table & Chairs tip! Put old tennis balls on the bottom of the legs of any of our high quality Wood Designs' hardwood furniture. This will decrease the noise level within the classroom caused by the pulling in & out of the chairs or tables.      Teacher Resources: Helpful Hints Archive Our past Helpful Hints articles, organized & archived for your convenience in setting-up your own classroom. Enhance interest areas by providing enough shelving & storage bins for the amount of materials provided in the classroom.

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