A kindergarten inclusion classroom needs to meet a number of requirements to be classified as such: it should be aesthetically pleasing, challenging, age-appropriate, and safe for differently-abled children (Gargiulo and Kilgo 193). In my sketch, I have attempted to channel my vision as to what a good kindergarten classroom should look like. The room interior and furniture are in neutral, calming colors – light-yellow, light-blue, beige, and light-green.
The entire floor is carpeted to make it a comfortable sitting area and prevent traumas in case a child trips over and falls. Tables and chairs are exactly the sizes that are appropriate for the age group (3-6), and there are extra cushions for those children who need it for more comfort and better posture. There are also bean bag chairs – ideally, the entire area should predispose children to having a variety of options, whether they want to sit, lean back, or lie down.
It is not easy to predict what disabilities new coming children might have so I would prefer to keep the classroom as resourceful as possible. If a child has fine motor challenges, he or she can be offered adapted scissors and pencil grips. Small toys and stuffed animals should be easy to find and hold at all times, which may be of use for children on the autistic spectrum who need sensory stimming. Children with autism spectrum disorder would also benefit from a schedule with routines so that they know what is coming next and do not stress over uncertainty.
Work Cited
Gargiulo, Richard, and Jennifer L. Kilgo. An Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs: Birth through Age Eight. 4th ed., Nelson Education, 2010.