At Saint Albans School the classrooms are very small. This impacts how teachers are able to teach their students and the structure of the day. The Pre-K 4 classroom measures approximately 25' x 25'. There is a large green carpet on one side of the room, and three tables on the other side. Because the the small amount of space, the tables and carpet must be multifunctional. The carpet serves as the play area and circle time space, the tables are used for all sit down activities. All material is found on the wall shelving on the east side of the classroom, out of reach of the children. The children's cubbies line the northern wall where there are also large windows. By the entrance is a white board used for morning meeting with the job chart set up on the other side of the doorway. There is also a bathroom in the classroom.
The set up of the classroom means that the children's activities are structured and decided by the teachers. Because there are no centers, there is not much choice available during play time. Toys and material are taken out for, and put away by the teachers. While more space and more choice would be better for the children, the teachers and children make the most of the space they have. The teacher has adapted the day to work in the space provided, and the children enjoy school. The children also have several specials such a library, art, religion, and gym which give the children the opportunity to learning in various environments.
The school was changed from a church so it may never have been designed for classrooms, but that is the reality of many classrooms in most school, for various reasons. I did see a kindergarten class today with a very large room and the light, space and ability to move around freely was refreshing but not common. The classes are used, at your school, to the maximum that it can be used. Thank you.
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