Activity 2.1 | Mapping Spaces

Think of your indoor spaces. By mapping your indoor space you can analyze the different areas and think what type of play happens where. As you map this space, put in the bathroom and the entrance as both are areas that influence children and their feelings about their place in your program. Do this carefully so that you can label areas that will provide learning, comfort and care. As you do this, think about a child’s journey from the car or sidewalk or bus to the entrance of your building. What do they experience and what do they see, hear and feel as they come into the building and into the room they will spend the day. Bathrooms are places where we go to take care of our body. 

Do we give the children the message that this is a place where they can take care of their body in a good way? Think about areas where there can be difficulties. 

As you look at your map do you see: 

• places that reflect the faces of the children in your care,
  

• reflections of the families,
  

• places for quiet play for a small group,
  

• places to gather as a large group,
  

• soft and cosy places,
  

• a place for each child’s belongings,
  

• a place where a parent or parents can sit with their child, and

•  places that reflect the diversity of our communities.
  

• Look at the bathroom or diapering area and notice if cleaning supplies and diaper supplies are easy to reach; can hands be easily washed for children and adults? 

• Look at the entrance is a transition place—does it allow for a nice moment or two for parents or the child’s caregiver to support a child’s emotional and physical shift from home care to centre care? 

As you think about your space and how it helps you run a wonderful program ask yourself where you can talk with a parent easily. Sometimes we want to chat with a parent, a student ECE or a staff person without others hearing the conversation. Is there space for this? How might you share personal information with a family to ensure privacy?  

Sometimes, we want to shift our space around because a smaller, cozier space for babies who are on their backs is needed, or just the needs of the group have changed. Is there flexibility in your space, such as moveable shelves or easily moved tables and chairs? Now check if you have the flexibility in your mind to be able to shift your set up when you notice problems, such as blocks being near the book area. It is important to know that you can move the furniture or area rugs or display different photos so that children's needs are met. Staff needs also must be considered. If things are disorganized or not easily accessible, staff might not use them. 

Sometimes providing more open space for babies that have started to walk and want to practice is important or the opposite a smaller cosier space for babies who are on their backs or learning to crawl with comfortable seating on the floor for educators. Moving the couch next to the books because there is a group of children who love to be read to or moving the couch so children can look out of the window to wave goodbye.