Thinking Like an Architect

01/09/2009

Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.
Desmond Tutu

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.

Great Resources on Environments for Children

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

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For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.