For many years, the Reggio Emilia approach has been in the spotlight of the international debate on early childhood education, attracting countless devoted followers in preschool centres all over the world and inspiring an ever-increasing amount of pedagogical research. At the heart of this educational philosophy, space is considered a 'third…

Several aspects of the indoor early childhood education (ECE) environment may be associated with physical activity (PA), including indoor areas. Modifying the indoor physical environment in classrooms could have significant potential to influence PA in young children. However, to our knowledge, PA promotion interventions involving changes to the…

This article focuses on objects, bodies and space to explore how the mundane materialities of classrooms do crucial but often unnoticed performative work in enacting gendered power. Drawing on ethnographic data from a UK sixth form college study, the article analyses a series of "material moments" to elaborate a material feminist…

Studies on children's learning about food commonly focus on socialisation within a temporal perspective taking an interest in linear and developmental issues, where the home is assumed as the primary place for learning food skills that should be deepened through education in Home Economics. Home Economics concern topics that are related to our…

The design research methodology as it has currently developed centers on the creation of "existence proofs," an important first step. What is needed then are the next steps of expanding the methodology to address the design problems of practical implementation prior to the steps involved in scaling up these designs. This article contributes to…

In the July 24, 2007 edition of "ExchangeEveryday", readers were asked to submit great indoor space elements from their early childhood programs. Readers sent photographs and brief descriptions of creative elements of their indoor environments. A sampling of ideas are shown on this article.

What features of the physical environment in video game arcades lead kids to be so engaged? How can analysis of arcade space inform language arts teachers' decisions about designing classroom environments? This article presents an analysis of physical space in video game arcades and participants' positions therein to suggest how language arts…

In this article, the author emphasizes the importance of "working" walls in children's programs. Children's programs need "working" walls (and ceilings and floors) which can be put to use for communication, display, storage, and activity space. The furnishings also work, or don't work, for the program in another sense: in aggregate, they serve as…

Examines two preschool programs in the New Orleans area in terms of their arrangement of indoor and outdoor space to implement developmentally appropriate practices. Explains that they can serve as inspiration to other early childhood professionals who struggle to create meaningful experiences for young children in "second-hand" space. (EV)

Highlights impressions of the Centre for Early Childhood Education, the Centre's recent work to interpret the philosophy of the Reggio Emilia approach, and examples of how the centre has transformed its practice within a Canadian context. Relates impressions of their environment, traces several examples in the development of the environment, and…

Discusses how a facilities study will allow school districts to meet current demands, as well as plan for future needs. Describes strategies for evaluating how educational programs fit into a building's existing space and offers tips for inventorying the facilities themselves. Lists items to include in a facilities study. (RJM)

The Ruby S. Thomas School boldly rejects the self-contained classroom tradition in favor of the newly developing "big-room" concept. All of the pupils in each of the six elementary grade groups are instructed in one of six large, carpeted rooms or "pods". Each pod encloses a completely column-free area of approximately 4,000 square feet. These,…

Discusses design of physical environment for an early childhood program. Provides six starting points and pertinent questions for redesigning: start from the end and work forward; do your research; who's on your design team?; clean out and de-clutter before you start; maximize space; and beautify places. (DLH)

The adverse conditions which make the teacher's role difficult and the steps taken in solving these situations are discussed. The means by which some teachers have surmounted their crowding and space problems may be helpful to others faced with similar difficulties. Ways to reduce crowding so that children can have the best possible environment…

Provides specific guidance to teachers planning activity areas and storage spaces to create an environment that supports children and how they learn. Areas of consideration include order, independence, comfort, materials, and boundaries. Hints for discovering unused space, including small and large storage projects, are provided. (SD)