Kindergarten can be a period when some children first interact with others in the same age group. Because it is important to keep children focused and in small groups, use tables that accommodate five to 10 students per table. This allows for the class to be divided into smaller, more manageable groups. In addition, you should have smaller-scale chairs at each table and the tables should be scaled-down versions so as not to intimidate young children.
A meeting area or group gathering place within the classroom is important so that the smaller groups of children can be easily and quickly brought together for whole class lessons and activities. To make the area more noticeable and easy to understand for young children, have the area designated by using a brightly colored rug or mat which is large enough to accommodate all children in the classroom. Begin the school year by telling children that gathering at the rug is when group teaching occurs. This type of gathering place makes it easier for teachers to read books, have children speak in front of the class, and host question-and-answer sessions. Children sit on the floor and the teacher sits at the front of the group on a chair, which slightly elevates her from the kids.
Though kindergarten is primarily about getting basic skill sets established, you should add a few extra elements to your classroom to enhance the students' total experience. Nontoxic crayons and markers should be readily available along with plenty of white and colored paper in an assortment of sizes. These supplies help encourage expression through drawing. Adding easels, paint and paintbrushes, glitter glue, nontoxic glue sticks and safety scissors to your classroom also helps create an environment suitable for facilitating creative learning. Additional items that are required include books, pencils, notebooks, chalkboard or whiteboard, large clock for helping teach time, a wall-size calendar, and cubicles or closets for children to store their belongings.
Adding extra teaching supplies throughout your classroom is also a requirement if you are using enhanced lessons to introduce additional concepts to children. Examples include a class pet and pet care station where children can all help take care of small animals such as hamsters or guinea pigs. To help with science lessons, include potted plants and trees throughout the room to use as a teaching tool on how plants grow. A world map on a wall helps teach primary global geography. Listening areas, complete with music players, headphones and an assortment of music, get children started on learning about music and culture.