ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

Forward this issue to a friend

In her Exchange article, "Designing the Family Child Care Environment," Hazel Osborn shared ideas on how surroundings affect behavior and mood:

Light: The amount and color of light dictate mood. Warm, soft light encourages coziness and quiet conversation. Bright, indirect light encourages active play and creativity. Natural light is best. Use light-colored paint in a room with small windows. Keep colors on walls, floors, and furniture soft and neutral.

Sound: Noise stimulates. A little is good - too much is bad. Keep background music soft, or turn it off. Avoid leaving the television on. Napping or quiet play should be away from street or playground noise. Soft textures absorb noise; wood, tile, and plastic bounce sound around a room.

Ventilation: We feel best when air is fresh and there is some air movement. Keep windows open a little, and use fans to circulate air in stuffy rooms. Ventilate cooking odors and avoid heavy perfume and, of course, smoke.

Temperature: Your home's temperature should allow an infant to explore comfortably in bare feet. Design your outdoor space for daily use year-round, using windbreaks such as hedges, play areas protected from hot sun, and outdoor shelters.

Openness: Big, open areas encourage running and loud voices. Enclosed areas allow for relaxation and intimacy. Eating, sleeping, and toileting areas should feel enclosed and cozy.

---

Hazel Osborn's article,"Designing the Family Child Care Environment," is included in our new Environments Tool Kit. This kit has packaged together ten practical Exchange resources and is offering the entire set at a 18% discount. Included in the Kit...

Books:

• Caring Spaces, Learning Places: Children's Environments That Work
• Natural Playscapes: Creating Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul
• Learning With Nature Idea Book: Creating Nurturing Outdoor Spaces for Children

Beginning Workshop Units:

• Environments for Special Needs
• Environments
• Environments With Families in Mind
• Outdoor Environments
• Space
• Environments to Engage Children
• Learning Materials

ExchangeEveryDay

Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.