There is something about having windows in a preschool environment. In almost every classroom I go into, I find a child looking out the window…
I sometimes notice that teachers cover their windows with lots of artwork which can be quite beautiful but I recommend that where possible, you keep most of the window free for children to still be able to see out…
Or the sun to shine in…
I like to set up an easel near the window so children can be inspired by the outdoors as they paint…
And when it comes to keeping windows clean, don’t worry about all those little fingerprints because they wash right off…
See these wonderful window ideas…
Frog Observations by Giggles and Crayons
Foam Window Art by Art for Little Hands
Simple Window Paint by Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning
Suncatchers with the Toddler Art Group by The Artful Parent
Recommend Teach Preschool on Google:
I completely agree – I never hang art work on my windows – I want as much natural light as possible. My windows are very low – toddler chest height and then reach the ceiling. I also put things on toys and plants on the window ledge to encourage play near the windows. We have our circle carpet near the window as well – that has always encouraged conversation about what is happening outside; which is important when we have to look out to identify the weather today!
Right now I have too many plants on the window ledge – but I am watering extra plants of other teachers who are off for the summer but have a look at my classroom tour to see the size of my windows.
https://kreativeactivities.blogspot.com/2011/07/classroom-tour.html
Isn’t it funny how windows can be such an important part of the learning environment – especially during the winter months. I don’t have any ledges to keep plants nearby but I do like to keep at least the easel or a table nearby so their is always a place that brings a little of the outdoor inside!
This is so sweet, and I totally agree with you. Light and an outdoor view is important.
Thank you for your comment Amanda:)
Oh, how I miss being at school today! We love to watch the birds at our feeders just outside our windows. For a valance, I use a clothesline with clothespins and hang up small pieces of the children’s artwork, such as mittens, hearts, butterflies, etc. This way, we can watch our birds and display our artwork at the top of the window.
I have even made window effects to create more light in the room by using a piece of “blue sky with clouds” poster board and hanging cafe curtains with velcro, glueing paper pots and silk flowers on the fake windowsill. This looks especially cozy in your kitchen center!
What a sweet idea to make a pretend window too:)
Thanks for the link!! We only use natural light during the day, no lights until its dark outside. I love the way everything looks in it. I only wish we had more windows in the kitchen where we do most of our art projects
Your welcome April!
I miss having windows at the children’s eye level 🙁 I used to have a classroom with a wonderful BIG windowseat that the children all LOVED to sit and watch the birds at the birdfeeder outside. Before that I had a room that had an adorable window where I always put our ‘home living’ area- and the pretend sink right in front of this! The kids loved it! Now…we have big huge windows that go to the ceiling…but start way too high for the children to really look out at their level. (it used to be an elementary classroom). We use natural light as much as possible, but I do wish the children could stand right next to the windows and peer out 🙁
I would definitely miss my windows too if they were up high. You need to build a loft:)
I used to have a classroom that had a window which faced the dumpster. When I first moved in to the class I thought, “Oh this is lovely, maybe some nice curtains.” But soon I found out that every Tuesday right after we came in from outside time, the trash truck would come. I have a photo somewhere of 12 two year olds all pressed against the window watching the truck lift the huge dumpster in to the air. They thought it was the coolest thing ever. And I soon learned that I had the best class room in the building.
I love this story Kristin! What a great photo to keep with a great story to tell!
Thanks for the feature. Whenever I picked my son up from preschool some kid would always be looking out the window and if I was the first car to pull up you would see that child let everyone know that it was almost pick up time and then all the kids would come run and look. It was always so cute to me to see 15 children peering out with smiles on their faces to see who’s mom was the first one there. I like the suggestion that teachers not cover up those windows. I try to keep ours open at home too. My kids are always peering out and we always have finger prints on our windows, but my kids fight over who gets to clean them off so it really isn’t a problem.
Haha – love those cute little helpers and fingerprints!