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4. Art
5. Science
6. Music
7. Board Games and Fine Manipulation
Taking into account aesthetics and organization, the rooms must be furnished so that the
space within flows, decorated with music, soft background touches that invites children to relax,
be happy, and feel comfortable in the classroom. In addition, it should play music constantly,
especially during activities and time to rest.
The classrooms are divided into centers for the exploration and free play of the students.
These centers can range from classroom to classroom, but must share characteristics that include
being clearly defined and demarcated, being rich in material, leading to the imagination, and
providing means by which children can learn independently while having a unique experience
every time they visit the facility.
At each center, material related to its theme should be provided. For example, the
dramatic play center should include puppets, costumes for both genders, mirrors, and accessories
representing a variety of professions (carpenter) among others. This helps to foster the children’s
independence, as they can choose and/or plan their own games during their free playtime, and
learn to create and follow rules (select establishments, and understand when a center is closed
and the number of children allowed in each center.) Centers also help foster responsibility, as
children are made responsible for caring for and organizing the materials they used before the
transition to the next activity. In this way, an open policy on the use of materials and the centers
that are used to arrange these materials help us on our long-term mission of creating cultures of
thinking in schools, because children, working this way, are forced to begin using their cognitive
skills to create, plan, organize and solve the problems that arise.
Spaces are not defined only by their halls and walls; in VESS, outdoor areas like parks and
community are an extension of the classroom. These are areas where children are invited to