Top 10 Signs of a Good Kindergarten Classroom
Kindergarten is a time for children to expand their love of learning, their general knowledge, their
ability to get along with others, and their interest in reaching out to the world. While kindergarten
marks an important transition from preschool to the primary grades, it is important that children still
get to be children -- getting kindergarteners ready for elementary school does not mean
substituting academics for play time, forcing children to master first grade "skills," or relying on
standardized tests to assess childrens success. Kindergarten "curriculum" actually includes such
events as snack time, recess, and individual and group activities in addition to those activities we
think of as traditionally educational. Developmentally appropriate kindergarten classrooms
encourage the growth of childrens self-esteem, their cultural identities, their independence and
their individual strengths. Kindergarten children will continue to develop control of their own
behavior through the guidance and support of warm, caring adults. At this stage, children are
already eager to learn and possess an innate curiosity. Teachers with a strong background in early
childhood education and child development can best provide for children what they need to grow
physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Here are 10 signs of a good kindergarten classroom:
1. Children are playing and working with materials or other children. They are not aimlessly
wandering or forced to sit quietly for long periods of time.
2. Children have access to various activities throughout the day, such as block building, pretend
play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys such as legos, pegboards, and
puzzles. Children are not all doing the same things at the same time.
3. Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times
during the day. They do not spend time only with the entire group.
4. The classroom is decorated with childrens original artwork, their own writing with invented
spelling, and dictated stories.
5. Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences. Exploring
the natural world of plants and animals, cooking, taking attendance, and serving snack are all
meaningful activities to children.
6. Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore.
Filling out worksheets should not be their primary activity.
7. Children have an opportunity to play outside every day that weather permits.
8. Teachers read books to children throughout the day, not just at group story time.
9. Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help.
Because children differ in experiences and background, they do not learn the same things at the
same time in the same way.
10. Children and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel safe sending their child to
kindergarten. Children are happy; they are not crying or regularly sick.
Individual kindergarten classrooms will vary, and curriculum will vary according to the interests and
backgrounds of the children. But all developmentally appropriate kindergarten classrooms will have
one thing in common: the focus will be on the development of the child as a whole.
Additional Resources:
Good teaching practices for older preschoolers and kindergarteners. 1990. Washington, DC: NAEYC
#522. 50¢ each/100 for $10. Spanish edition, Prácticas de enseñanza apropriados para niños
mayores en preescolar y kinder, #523.
Peck, J., G. McCaig & M.E. Sapp, Kindergarten policies: What is best for children? Washington, DC:
NAEYC. #141/$6.