Thinking back to Week Two, we read the first two chapters of The Intentional Teacher (Epstein, 2014.) The second chapter is an overview of best practices, including information on structuring the physical learning environment. One of the practices recommended was to “Supply plentiful…equipment and materials.” In the paragraph that follows, Epstein writes,
Often it is better to have fewer different types of items but more of the same or similar things. Young children are eager to get started on an activity, and waiting a turn is difficult for them, even for preschoolers who are beginning to share or understand they will eventually get a turn.
Boredom, loss of interest, and frustration from waiting can make for unhappy and unproductive play, whereas being able to put one’s ideas into immediate action capitalizes on a child’s excitement and sense of initiative.
Children who are working with the same or comparable materials (such as types of blocks, toy cars and trucks, musical instruments, plastic animals) are also more likely to compare and share observations about their experiences. This exchange promotes social interaction and provides insights, as children note what their peer (models) do, see, and say.
In addition, having duplicates of (dramatic play) clothes and props promotes higher-level play and communication, as there are multiple roles available for children to assume – two firefighters or two chefs, for example. (pg. 14, The Intentional Teacher.)
Her examples reflect how the physical environment (duplicate equipment and materials) can affect the emotional environment (increased initiative, higher-level play and communication) but what is your response to this approach? Have you seen centers or classrooms where this method is utilized? Do you follow this way of having more of the same or similar types of toys available for several students to use at the same time? Or would you like to implement this approach in a future classroom? Why or why not?
Your initial post is due Wednesday at midnight. You must also respond to 2 classmates’ initial posts, but they must not already have 2 responses (unless everyone already has 2 and it is after Wednesday). You will then have to reply to everyone that responds to your initial post by Monday.
