For this assignment, you are required to work as a group to design a floor plan and demonstrate the rationale for your design. It is possible to support social-emotional development by designing the room or simply re-arranging the layout of the room.
In your small groups, choose an age group: infants, toddlers, preschoolers OR school age.
Observe and Reflect:
If you are working in a childcare program or completing practicum: Observe an environment where children are involved in play. Evaluate how the environment including the arrangement of the space supports or discourages social-emotional development. ( Make notes and have this ready to share with your group).
Research: explore the articles and course materials. Research other related resources including videos. Share your research with your group and find opportunities to include relevant research in your work.
As a group discuss and create your ideal floor plan of a learning environment (indoor playroom and outdoor space) that promotes social-emotional development and wellbeing and other developmental domains. You can make a drawing, create 3-dimensional diorama-(using loose parts and other materials). or use a computer program/graphics. As you create your floor plan, think critically of the learning environment as a dynamic system that can influence thoughts, feelings and behavior and relationships.
Take clear photographs of your floor plan and organize them in a powerpoint presentation.
Each team member needs to actively participate in designing and presenting the setup of the indoor playroom & outdoor floor-plan.
Write your Reflection:
Provide a 4–5 page rationale paper that provides explanation for your design.
Include this in your rationale summary:
Why did you design/structure the indoor & outdoor space this way)?
How does the environment support FOUR elements of social-emotional learning (choose any 4: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making)?
In your writing, make connections to relevant social-emotional theories.
