What are "fluid boundaries" in preschool classrooms? When should these be used, and what advantages exist with this type of classroom design?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Fluid boundaries consist of environmental cues that a change of area has occurred without placing physical barriers in the way so as to impair mobility. These types of boundaries should be used when classrooms have a more open design (or open floor plan). An example of a fluid boundary is the use of lines on the floor to mark particular learning areas or by using lines or other markings on the floors, walls, or ceilings to indicate that a change in activity or learning exists in specific spaces. One advantage of the “fluid boundary” design is that it allows children to view other areas in the room and the activity choices available to them. A second advantage is that it allows for greater teacher monitoring of the classroom environment. Since many activity areas or learning centers are present in the classroom, some children may be working independently at one station, while a group of children are working together in another location. An open “fluid” boundary allows the teacher to monitor both groups of children. A final advantage might be that fluid boundaries help children feel more included in the total environment.