Designing a Learning Area
Mary Gorecki
My Classroom Environment Philosophy
• I believe my students learn and grow when they feel safe and respected. I will
welcome each one of my students, which will create connections and a sense
of belonging and make every individual comfortable enough to take risks. I
will foster a love of learning by providing students with natural materials that
engage the senses and encourage wonder, curiosity and intellectual
engagement. My students will develop independence and responsibility as
they utilize flexible space and open-ended materials that I provide.
Visual Representation of SpaceLamp for soft lighting
Teacher Zone
Movable Easel with pockets
Disk Chairs
Standing Station/
Discovery Zone
Stability Balls
Quiet Zone/
Reading Area
Storage Zone
News Zone
Community Zone
Regular Chairs and
Crate Seats
Natural Elements
Kidney Table for
One on One Work
Hokki Stools
Natural Lighting
Effective Elements
• Creating connections and a sense of belonging
• A strong sense of community is established right away
• Student ownership is a big part of the classroom
• The classroom is comfortable and cozy
• The atmosphere is inviting and fun
• Colors are subdued and warm
• Students will feel comfortable and safe and desire to have relationships and make friends
Effective Elements
• Flexible space and open-ended materials
• Many flexible seating options will be available
• Seating can be moved and rearranged
• Various opportunities with open-ended materials
• Efficient use of space and layout is appropriate for foot traffic
• Materials are very accessible to small children
Effective Elements
• Natural materials that engage the senses
• Sensory items
• Textures incorporated in the lesson plans
• Lamps and windows for natural light
• Plants around the room
• Manipulatives in quiet zone
Effective Elements
• Wonder, curiosity, and intellectual engagement
• Discovery zones are dispersed throughout the classroom
• Materials to engage with and explore/ investigate
• Music playing in background of class
Effective Elements
• Symbolic representations of learning domains/disciplines through
visual elements
• Decorative materials in classroom will be packed with meaning
• Promote a love of learning through materials that make students curious and excited
Activity and Learning AreasEach of the Seven Zones are included in my visual representation.
• Discovery Zone- tables and open area towards back of room (microscope, fish tank, natural manipulatives, clay)
• News Zone- used for communication (multiple white boards that include date, seating magnets, weather, and schedule)
• Supplies Zone- each student has individual drawer for personal supplies, storage units for books, art supplies, lesson materials
• Community Zone- large rug in front of classroom, comfortable seating options dispersed throughout classroom
• Quiet Zone- reading/decompression corner with pillows/beanbags, rugs, and stress balls
• Teacher Zone- my desk/file cabinet in front corner, family photos, separated by bookshelf
• Subject Zone- large white board/smart board in front of room, white board easel with pockets for markers, posters with content related images and information
Lopez, V. (2015, July 28). 7 Learning Zones Every Classroom Must Have. Retrieved from Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/7-learning-zones-classroom-veronica-lopez
Comprehensive List of Materials
Linked to Effective Elements
• Age specific materials that I will use to use to effectively teach in each domain/disciplines based on the ND Content Standards are included in my Classroom Profile document.
Committee, C. S. (2017). North Dakota Content Standards. Retrieved from North Dakota Department of Public Instruction: https://www.nd.gov/dpi/SchoolStaff/Standards/
Guidance Policy
• “Materials and spaces will be utilized positively and respectfully to
foster exploration, learning, and growth.”
• Classroom Expectations:
• A physical environment that supports social and emotional security will be created.
• Clear rules about how to use materials and space appropriately will be established and enforced immediately.
• Students will problem solve by utilizing their environment and the materials that are provided for them in a
positive way that will help them grow, explore, and learn new content.
Author, N. (2010, June 1). Policy and Procedure Manual. Retrieved from Head Start of Lane County: https://www.hsolc.org/policies/childcare/child-guidance-and-behavior-
management
Environmental Plans
Each of my Environmental Plans clearly outlines how the environment will be used to teach skills.
• “Creating appropriate environments for Organisms”
• “Obstacle Course Creations”
• “Introductions to Reader’s Theater”
• “Practicing making observations and identifying observable properties”
Resources Utilized
• Author, N. (2010, June 1). Policy and Procedure Manual. Retrieved from Head Start of Lane County: https://www.hsolc.org/policies/childcare/child-guidance-and-behavior-management
• Committee, C. S. (2017). North Dakota Content Standards. Retrieved from North Dakota Department of Public Instruction: https://www.nd.gov/dpi/SchoolStaff/Standards/
• Lopez, V. (2015, July 28). 7 Learning Zones Every Classroom Must Have. Retrieved from Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/7-learning-zones-classroom-veronica-lopez