Develop a detailed description of your map.

 

Write an essay that guides your audience through the child care environment map that you designed. As you discuss each component of the map, describe both the “what” (the actual elements that the map features) and the “why” (why you chose to include each piece of the map in this ideal, hypothetical classroom). The “why” is most important here, as the ability to discuss and defend your design choices will reflect your understanding of physical developmental needs in early childhood and what addressing these needs looks like in practice. You are expected to support all of your design choices with specific information from Lesson 5 materials and any other research you choose to conduct. Please cite all sources appropriately in your paper.

 

Consider the following questions as you develop your paper:

 

• What design choices did you make and why?
• How do your specific choices correspond with a researched understanding of the physical development of young children?
• What details from course materials and any outside research support your design choices?

 

After you have provided a detailed, supported, critical description of your map, discuss the implications or importance of the child care setting you developed as a whole.

 

Consider the following questions as you conclude your paper:

 

• Why is this type of child care environment important?
• What might this environment provide for the children who learn and play in it?
• What might this environment communicate to parents, teachers, and children who spend their time in it?