I think that childhood is the very first chapter in your book and if we're going to have a whole story, a whole life, then we've got to know what childhood is about.
-Bev Bos, 1934-2016, preschool director and international speaker
The latest Exchange publication, Rating Observation Scale for Inspiring Environments, which is an evaluation tool for the Exchange book Inspiring Spaces for Young Children, provides an opportunity to evaluate among other things, the way color is used in your program. Inspiring Spaces offers this insight on using color:
"Color can be powerful in both positive and negative ways. It can evoke feelings and emotions, give importance to areas or objects, define spaces, and reflect children's homes or communities. Sometimes, however, color can have a negative effect. Using many colors in a classroom results in a chaotic feeling because it is too visually stimulating. Also, keep in mind the intensity of the colors in the classroom. Bright yellows, reds, and blues can overwhelm children's emotional well being, so use primary colors conservatively...
"Most centers do not have an abundance of money to spend on paint, wall coverings, and carpets. Therefore, when choosing colors for larger items, it is important to think neutral, as these colors tend to outlast trends. Then bring in splashes of trendy colors with inexpensive decorative elements such as area rugs, wall hangings, pillows, and children's artwork."
An inspiring environment is essential for helping young children learn. The Rating Observation Scale for Inspiring Environments challenges teachers to examine classrooms in a totally new way — with an eye for what is aesthetically beautiful and inspiring.
This groundbreaking tool assesses classrooms in a whole new way!
This book is a companion observation guide for Inspiring Spaces for Young Children.
Comments (1)
Displaying 1 Commentuniversity at buffalo child care center
buffalo, ny, United States
My office, leading into the rest of our Child Care Center, is painted a bright yellow. It's the color I believe, starts you on a bright, positive note!
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