Childhood Environment and Assessment

This course will focus on the learning environment of pre-kindergarten through third grade classrooms. The classroom environment is often referred to as the “third” teacher. The structure, design, and choice of materials in the classroom influence how teaching and learning in all developmental domains take place. Students will also learn how to design a supportive, intellectually stimulating classroom environment; how to develop daily and weekly plans that reflect and support children’s growth in all areas, especially the development of self-regulation. In addition, they will learn how a well-designed environment supports classroom management, by exploring research based best practices to accommodate and adapt the classroom environment for success for each individual student and incorporating these accommodations into their classroom design.