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106 TOPIC 6 QUALITY PHYSICAL LAYOUT
ACTIVITY 6.2
Maria MontessoriÊs famous first class „ChildrenÊs House‰ was actually a childcare centre in an apartment in a poor neighbourhood. Using the wisdom of MontessoriÊs approach, discuss how you can create a good learning site for your young students.
6.4 BUILDING ELEMENTS
The structural elements of a building that is meant for a child-care environment must provide unique elements of spaces that can be optimised for the learning process. The different sections of the building must not only be functional but operational as well. For example, the play yard area must be designed such that it is appropriate for children and it must be functional; readily available whenever the lesson requires the children to be at the yard during play time. Safety and security are other aspects that are vital when considering the different elements of a building designed for young learners. No compromise should be made when it comes to the safety of the building. For example, a fire sprinkler system must be installed or exit stairways must be allocated for buildings with more than a single level.
National Institute of Building Sciences (n.d.) suggested that the division of areas within a building can be done in the following manner:
(a) Parents and staff areas:
(i) Public area;
(ii) Foyer;
(iii) Reception;
(iv) Staff area;
(v) DirectorÊs office;
(vi) AssistantÊs workstation;
(vii) Sick bay;
(viii) Staff lounge;
(ix) Parents conference area;
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