Building the Classroom Environment
University Furniture Collection promotes connections to nature and conservation; connections for children and families; and connections to communities and culture. These organic connections shape the classroom into a stronger, healthier and more holistic environment for children to learn, experience, transform and evolve.
INFANT
Birth To 18 Months
From the day they are born, infants are constantly learning and experiencing new sensations every day. They learn how to move their bodies, communicate their emotions and desires, and interact with the adults in their lives. Because they are always discovering new things, infants need to be in welcoming, familiar environments that encourage their experimentation and interactions with the world around them, while also being large enough to include their caretakers.
Planning an Infant Space
When creating an infant space, focus on the needs and milestones of the infants that will be occupying it. Make sure to fill the space with child-height furniture, appropriate care centers and a few adult-sized sitting areas for parents and caretakers to easily spend one-on-one time with the children.
TODDLER
18 Months To 3 Years
As toddlers grow, a desire for independence begins to sprout. They want the ability to choose, decide what appeals to them and express themselves. Ensuring that they are in an environment that naturally encourages all of these things is vital for their development. Appropriately-sized furniture, cushioned seating and natural colors all encourage children to comfortably exert their new-found independence and make their own choices and discoveries.
Planning a Toddler Space
The space your toddler occupies is just as important as the educators who teach them and the lessons they learn. Incorporate natural objects, neutral colors and a variety of textured surfaces that enhance the hands-on learning toddlers need.
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PRESCHOOL
3 Years To 5 Years
Preschool is an exciting time in a child’s life. They branch out to try new things, learn how to make friends, and begin to express their thoughts and ideas more fully. Nurturing their curiosities and social growth is very important at this stage, and will establish how they approach learning and communicating with their peers for the rest of their lives. Children need the right environment and educators to help them grow into bright, inquisitive learners.
Planning a Preschool Space
Educators need to plan their spaces ahead of time to properly address all of a child’s educational and social needs in order to have a fulfilling educational environment. Organized, natural environments with focal points give children a defined sense of purpose.
