Review the video: Virtual Child Care Center TourLinks to an external site.. Click on “Let’s Go,” turn the volume on your computer off, and take time to view each age level setting (Infant Classroom, Toddler Classroom, Discovery Preschool Classroom, Preschool Classroom, PreK Classroom, and Outdoor Play) to get a feel for the environments children experience in this program.
Part 1: Infusing Nature Into an Early Childhood Setting
- Complete Part 1 of the Indirect and Direct Natural Elements Assessment and Budget Recommendations template Download Indirect and Direct Natural Elements Assessment and Budget Recommendations templateby recording your observations and assessment of the natural elements that are present in one age-level environment of your choice and the Outdoor Play environment. To give yourself time, stop the camera from moving by clicking on the screen.
- Next, complete Part 2 of the Indirect and Direct Natural Elements Assessment and Budget Recommendations template by choosing what you would purchase to infuse natural elements into the age-level setting you chose and the Outdoor Play environment.
Part 2: Introducing Natural Elements
For Part 2 of this Assignment, imagine that you have an opportunity to introduce at least one direct or indirect natural element in the age-level setting you chose. For example, for preschoolers you might set up a display of silkworms, earthworms, or an ant farm on a table that is accessible to the children along with magnifying glasses and small notebooks for children to use to record their observations. Or for young children, you might bring in a selection of leaves from a variety of trees to share during circle time, watching as the children explore the leaves with all their senses and recording children’s observations about the leaves. There are so many ways to share and infuse natural elements. As you decide what you would like to share, consider what might provoke children’s wonder, awe, and sense of discovery. Then, complete the Introducing Natural Elements and Professional Reflections Template Download Introducing Natural Elements and Professional Reflections Template.
