Preschool Collaborative Classroom with Cog Tables

Early Learning Collaborative Classroom Design & Teamwork Solutions

With the 21st century seeing an ever-increasing need for teamwork, collaboration, and technology expertise, children can begin to develop and refine these skills as early as preschool. When young children work in groups to complete an activity or brainstorm new ideas, they are learning how to be an active listener, how to communicate, and how to compromiseâ€"important skills they can apply to real-world situations throughout their lifetimes.

Requirements for a Great Collaboration Classroom

For Students

A great collaboration classroom should offer children space for individual work as well as the ability to work in groups for projects and brainstorming. Students should be able to clearly see everyone in their group so it's easy to communicate and make eye contact. Open walkways allow children to move between groups and access supplies as needed. Lightweight seating makes it simple for early learners to pick up and move their seating without assistance.

For Teachers

The collaboration classroom should maximize the ability to move among different groups to offer guidance and assistance or to facilitate communication. Teachers should be able to address the whole class as they call out instructions or provide demonstrations. All furniture should feature a low-profile, so teachers can observe all students at all times, no matter where they are in the room.

For Administrators

The collaboration classroom will be arranged and furnished to achieve the vision for that space. They need to know that all products are available at the time they are needed and that their order will arrive correctly and on time. Installations must be quick and efficient.

Collaboration Classroom Layout Areas

Project Area

Makes collaborative projects, games, and activities easy to accomplish:

• Easels: Give students a surface for drawing, painting, and other arts and crafts. Accessory trays contain messes.
• Stools: Offer children a sturdy seating surface with a backless design that accommodates a variety of postures.
• Art supply storage: Keeps crayons, markers, paints, papers, and other supplies organized and easily accessible.
• Art table: Gives students a place to spread out project materials and art supplies.
• Collaborative table: Can be used alone for small group activities or easily pushed together into configurations to accommodate larger groups. Collaborative tables facilitate communication since they're designed to ensure all members of the group can see each other.
• Preschool chair: Lightweight and feature a grip handle in the back so students can lift and move their seating without assistance. The soft plastic construction flexes as children shift positions throughout the day.
• Sensory table: Lets children experiment with sand, water, or manipulatives. Removable bins are easy to fill and empty as needed.

Gathering Area

Functions as a hub for full-class, teacher-led activities:

• Rug: Gives children a cozy and comfortable place to sit as they participate in games, activities, or listen to a story.
• Easel: Offers teachers a place to prop open storybooks or display student artwork and assignments.
• Book display: Keeps reading material easily accessible, allowing children to quickly browse and choose a book for story time.
• Floor pillows: Keep children cozy as they listen to stories or participate in activities.

Breakout Area

Adds a dedicated space for impromptu, small group activities or mentoring sessions:

• Soft seating: Keeps children comfortable in this informal gathering space. When children are comfortable, they can focus on the discussion at hand.
• Rug: Brightens up the area and acts as additional seating space for children who prefer to sit on the floor.

Storage Area

Keeps classroom supplies organized and easy to find. Storage units should feature a low profile, so teachers can observe all areas of the room. They may also be used to create dividers between each learning station:

• Lockers: Give children a place to store personal belongings like a jacket or bookbag, while class is in session.
• Cubby storage: Organizes classroom supplies, project components, or toys.
• Open shelving: Perfect for items children should have ready access to such as story books or learning station supplies. They may also be used as a temporary display space for children's finished projects.
• Mobile bin storage: Makes distributing and collecting supplies simple, since the unit can be wheeled directly to student work areas. The bins can also be completely removed from the cart for use at collaborative tables or learning stations.

Choosing Your Collaboration Classroom Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit a classroom tailored specifically for a collaborative preschool environment. Choose the option that best fits your budget and needs, and with just one click, you get an itemized quote for this classroom, including all specially-designed stations. Our helpful representatives are happy to answer questions about our stations and how you can put them to use in your collaborative learning classroom.

Call us at 1-800-260-2776 for personalized assistance.

Early Learning Collaboration Classroom Frequently Asked Questions

Why is collaboration important for preschool-age children?

Collaboration helps young children develop essential 21st-century skills including teamwork, communication, and compromise. When children work in groups to complete activities or brainstorm ideas, they learn to be active listeners, communicate effectively, and negotiate - important skills they can apply throughout their lifetimes.

What makes collaborative tables effective for early learning classrooms?

Effective collaborative tables can be used alone for small group activities or easily pushed together for larger groups. They should be designed to ensure all group members can see each other for better communication. Tables should be appropriately sized for young children with lightweight construction for easy reconfiguration.

How should early learning collaboration classrooms be arranged for optimal supervision?

All furniture should feature low-profile design so teachers can observe all students at all times, no matter where they are in the room. Open walkways allow children to move between groups and access supplies as needed. Teachers should be able to easily move among different groups to offer guidance and address the whole class when needed.

What sensory learning opportunities should be included in early learning classrooms?

Sensory tables let children experiment with sand, water, or manipulatives to develop fine motor skills and sensory awareness. Art areas with easels, supplies, and dedicated tables provide opportunities for creative expression. These hands-on experiences support multiple learning styles and developmental milestones.