Physical environment: The physical environment in my early childhood center would be manipulated to appreciate group interaction and socialization. Rectangular tables would be implemented into the learning environment to encourage children to construct and discovery knowledge together as they assimilate (new experiences are molded into fit into old ideas) or accommodate (olds ideas are restructured to accommodate new experiences) information. My justification for orchestrating the learning environment in a matter that allows children to sit together stems from Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. I believe that children gain knowledge through guided participation of a more competent or skilled learner because learning takes place within a social context.
Family photos: The learning environment in my early childhood center would also contain family photos of each family present in my learning community. Family photos would be a part of my learning environment because they encourage the home school partnership. When families are connected to the learning community, families become visible instead of invisible. Family photos would include pictures of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmothers, grandfathers, and family pets. Implementing family photos in early childhood center will allow children in the early childhood center to appreciate cultural similarities and cultural differences by giving them the opportunity to learn about various cultures that are reflected /visualized in the learning community. For example, if a child’s family is Mexican, and photos of a Mexican family is apotheosized in the learning environment; children from other cultures can learn to value the cultural differences that Mexican children have instead of resisting or rejecting these differences.
Artifacts: The learning environment in my early childhood center would apotheosize artifacts of different cultures. These artifacts could be stories, poems, garments, quilts, blankets, recipes, or guest speakers, etc. When artifacts of different cultures are apotheosized, children can value the cultural traditions and customs that are others cultures appreciate.
Children’s literature
In my early childhood center, various books from every domain would be acknowledged. For example, Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman, and Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson would be two pieces of children’s literature that acknowledges gay and lesbian partnerships. I would have these two books in my book library because they teach children that families can have a different structural composition other than the transitional family.
The Lady in the Box and Fly Away Home are pieces of children’s literature that I would use in my early childhood center. I would use this book in my center because it makes children aware of individuals that are affected by homelessness and encourages them to take action when action is needed. The book also teaches children to judge individuals for their character not their socioeconomic status.
I Love Hair! By Natasha Tarpley is another piece of children’s literature that I would implement in to my classroom library. This book helps children of every culture to explore the unique textures of African American hair.
Uncle Peter’s Chinese Wedding, by Lenore Look is another piece of children’s literature that I would include in my center because it familiarizes children with Chinese festivities and the significance of each custom presented.
Yoshi’s Feast, by Kimiko KajiKawa is a folklore that teaches the value of sharing. Yoshi loves to eat broiled eels, but is not willing to with his neighbor Sabu.
Centers:
Dramatic play Area: A dramatic play area would be present in my early childhood center. It would consists of cooking utensils that value various cultures as such as a Bamboo Asian spoons, soup bowls, spatulas, pots, chopsticks, a play stove, refrigerator, lunch and dinner menus, plastic food items, Bamboo mats, different serving trays for each culture, dresses, men shirts, pants, coats, hats, scarves, high heeled shoes, scarves, A dramatic play area is a necessary in my early childhood environment because it gives children an opportunity to socialization as they construct their own knowledge. Children are also able to take on roles that mimic the lives of adult realities.
Art center: An art center would be present in my early childhood center because young children must have ample time to construct their own imaginations as free-lance artist. My supplies would include paint, colored paper, paint brushes, crayons, markers, glue, and scissors. An art center is essential in my center because children need creative experiences that allow them to construct and express their own imaginations. Art also helps to improve hand and eye coordination, and fine motor skills.
Sand center
A sand center will be implemented in my early childhood center because it encourages open play; children’s play will not be directed or structured. Sand play also encourages social, cognitive, and social skills, and presents numerous opportunities for children to use their imaginations. Playing in the sand also gives children the opportunity to use their senses as they discover new textures and smells.
Blocks
Blocks such as logos and wooden blocks will be implemented into my learner center because they encourage young children to move extremities that help control their body. When children play with blocks, their hand and eye coordination improves. Their ability to hold and grasp objects also improves.
Soft place mats will be implemented into my early childhood center because they protect children’s extremities while they play freely. Children often experience unfortunate calamities; therefore, cushioned place mats will terminate their unfortunate misfortunes.
Dolls: every type of doll will be championed. Children will be given the opportunity to play with African Americans dolls, Chinese dolls, Caucasians dolls, and other dolls that represent various other cultures. Dolls that have different eye color, skin color, and hair textures will be apotheosized in my early learning center. I also will have dolls that represent exceptionalities as well. Dolls are necessary in the early learning center because they encourage children to take on adult roles as they play socially with others. Persona dolls will also be used to help children understand the harm the effects of bias and discrimination. Persona dolls are useful in the early childhood learning environment because they help children problem solve as they orchestrate solutions.
Puzzles will also be used in my early learning center. I personally like jigsaw puzzles because they amplify children’s cognitive development and encourage socialization as children manipulate together freely.
Ideas from the video that I would implement in my early learning center are a meet and greet room. When children arrive in my center, I want parents and educators to have the opportunity to engage if necessary. These actions encourage the home school partnership by allowing educators to speak with parents as children arrive. Parents can also speak with parents regarding their own concerns if needed.
I also would implement a sleeping room for infants and toddlers, and a daily schedule. A daily schedule will help create structure and routine for the children, and will also inform parents of activities that occur throughout the day.
Displays will also be implemented in the early childhood learning environment because they give children positive reminders throughout the day. For example, the sleep room is for sleeping, and the classroom library is for reading and perusing books quietly. Displays in the early learning center will also apotheosize children from every culture and ethnicity. Exceptional children will also be displayed in order to help children appreciate the unique differences of others.
Memoirs of a Porcelain Doll 