During the ages of two and three, children move from babyhood into the larger world of early childhood. During these years, important development occurs that will affect the children’s later growth and learning. Though adults sometimes view 2s and 3s as miniature four- and five-year-olds, these children are in their own stage of physical and mental development. Twos and threes learn by processing information through using their five senses and by moving their bodies and manipulating objects. Therefore, 2s and 3s must have an environment that allows them to move around easily and explore materials.
Walking, crawling, talking, singing, coloring, playing, gluing, and listening. What kind of classroom best supports these 2s and 3s learning activities?
Ample space, child-size furniture, safe toys for creative play, age-appropriate learning materials, and cheery walls go a long way to create a positive learning environment for your students. We want them to learn as much about God as possible. It’s important that we put thought and care into equipping our classrooms.
Consider the items in the following lists. Are they part of your classroom? If not, talk to your Sunday School superintendent. Help him or her see the value of the items you need for effective teaching. Perhaps you can begin to add the needed items as the budget allows.
The Room
- Ample space—2s and 3s need about 5′ x 7′ for each child
- Windows low and large
- Adequate lighting and ventilation
- Washable carpeting or vinyl tile with large, nonskid area rugs
- Toilet facilities (child-size) and drinking fountain (children’s level) nearby, if not adjoining
- Bulletin boards placed at the children’s eye level
- Cork strips on walls (children’s level) for attendance charts and artwork
- Ample storage cabinets mounted on wall, freeing floor space
- Cubbies (wooden shelves sectioned into squares) to store children’s belongings
- Shelving for toys at the children’s level
Equipment
- Chairs 10–14 inches high and tables 18–22 inches high (Note: Chairs and tables are optional. If floor space is limited, eliminate chairs and tables. Children can work on the floor—just like they do at home.)
- Teacher’s chair and large area rug (or use masking tape to mark an area on the floor) for story time
- Bins or baskets for toy storage
- Cleaning spray or wipes
- Paper towels and facial tissues
- Napkins and cups for snack time
Teaching materials
- Bible with pictures
- Picture books featuring animals and people
- Flannelboard
- Church bank for offering
- Pictures of people, animals, and familiar objects
- Hand puppets (preferably an animal such as a teddy bear or sheep)
- Large crayons
- Glue sticks
- Drawing and construction paper
- Children’s songs on CD
- CD player
- Play dough
Creative play materials
- Child’s kitchen with plastic dishes and food
- Child’s tool shop
- Shapes or colors to match
- Dress-up clothes
- Dolls, balls, cars, and trucks
- Play telephones
- Building blocks and block accessories; e.g., people, animals, and vehicles
- Chalkboard or drawing pad on childsize easel
- Sturdy picture books of people, animals, and familiar objects
- 4- or 5-piece and 10- to 12-piece puzzles
- Rhythm instruments
- Cardboard boxes
To help 2s and 3s develop their thinking skills and grow in their knowledge of God and His Word, teachers must put time and effort not only into their lesson preparation but also into equipping and supplying classrooms.
Young children learn a great deal on their own as they play and manipulate classroom materials. Don’t allow children to miss valuable learning opportunities! Prepare and equip your room to match the development needs of your 2s and 3s. Collect teaching and creative play materials that will allow their minds to grow so they may comprehend more about God.
Think about Your Classroom
- Does your room have adequate space for the number of children in the class? If not, what creative solutions might be available? Talk to the Sunday School superintendent or pastor. Could you change places with another class? Is the church planning a building soon? If so, check with someone to make sure that the maximum suggested space is allotted for the 2s and 3s area.
- Write a check mark by all the supplies your room already has. Now look at the things you did not check. Prioritize your needs. What six things are more important? Which six are next? Continue answering these questions as you go through the list. Ask the Sunday School superintendent how soon the budget will allow you to get the things you need.
- How long has it been since your room was thoroughly cleaned? You might want to plan a spring cleaning day with some other teachers.
