Labels in the preschool environment

     As I discussed in my previous entry, signs tell us a lot. In a classroom, visual labels tell the children where to put the toys at clean up time.  The example pictured is actually a kids's room and, as you can see, I started labeling and didn't finish.  The marble madness always ends up in the bin with the marbles and the miscellaneous toys get tossed in a bin at the bottom.  (We call this bin the abyss)  

     In the classroom, visual labels are a cue for the children.  In preschools, most teachers are supervising between 8 and 12 children so labels and signs that organize the classroom and provide visual rule reminders can be real time savers.  (The labels are providing the reminders instead of you)

     In a classroom, you can label as much or a little as you want.  However, in practice, what I have found makes that most sense is observing your classroom for a few weeks and take note of what your problem areas are.  Notice where you are providing the most assistance in putting things away.  Then label accordingly.  Labeling colored storage bins and your problem areas typically makes the most sense for preschool classrooms.
   
     Important note:  After labeling you will need to spend a few weeks cleaning up with the children, pointing out the labels, and identifying their meaning.  For example, "Let's look for the picture.  It is right there.  The puzzles go here." 

Some examples of classroom label organization

Bins

 Wood Blocks

 

Next blog:  Other helpful labels and signs