Classroom Arrangement

In a before and after school care setting, the computer area is usually arranged by the hosting organization, whether it be a school, church or other community organization. Care staff may have little involvement in deciding this issue. But there are several things to consider when viewing the set up for the first time.

• Is the equipment located in an area convenient for student access, and for continued monitoring of all students by care staff?
• Is the equipment placed out of the line of traffic?
• Are the computers, printer, and other equipment within easy reach so that children can get to them on their own without requiring adult assistance?
• Is the equipment situated where there is sufficient light but away from windows and other sources of glare?
• Is it placed away from art activities, sand and water, or cooking activities? Food, water, and paint can be harmful to the equipment.
• Are two or three chairs placed around each computer?
• Can children concentrate and work together without distracting others?
• Are electrical outlets available to support the equipment?
• Are wires and outlets out of the way? Placing computers against a wall or partition prevents children from tripping over wires or fiddling with electrical outlets.

Remember, how the computer area is set up has a great impact on children's successful learning experiences. Because you are in a unique situation, you may notice things that the regular teaching staff may has overlooked. Feel free to make suggestions or offer solutions.

If you program is housed in a space shared with other uses, be considerate of the facility. Leave the space and the equipment in the same condition as they were, and follow building procedures for starting, using, and shutting down computers.

Allow Space for Students to Work Together

One of the greatest advantages of using computers and other technology is that it encourages communication and provides language opportunities. Almost without exception, students should be encouraged to work at the computer with others. Support this by having two or three chairs at each computer to encourage communication and enhance social skills. Children can easily share ideas, discuss what is going on, and help each other.

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