The Importance Of The Classroom Environment

A child’s classroom needs to reflect the students, their family and the community they live in. Children and families should feel a sense of belonging within the classroom. The student and families should see themselves in the environment. (Sparks, 2010)
The classroom environment should aid a child in developing a positive self- concept, identity and attitudes. (ADL, 2015) From the toys and games the children play to the lesson plans that are implemented in class it should all be presented in an anti-bias and respectful manner.
The materials and supplies are divided by the learning centers in the classroom.
On the walls and bulletin board: Pictures of the children and their families, pictures of children and adults that reflect the

Plastic food that represents different cultures
Dress-ups that are not gender specific, dress-up that represent other cultures
Puzzles/Games
Puzzles depicting people from other cultures
Puzzles with knobby handles (for a child who may have fine motor is

2. As well as toys and materials that are anti-bias and multicultural the books in your library need to reflect the students in the class as well as children from different types of families, special needs and books from other cultures.
Kite, C.A. I Don’t Have Your Eyes. (2003), EMK Press, NJ.
This books begins with a child of color talking to her white mom and saying “I don’t have your eyes.” This book explores the idea that a family is more than looking liking each other, but shared experiences and love for each other.
Rockliff, Mara, Chik Chak Shabbat (2014), Candlewick