PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) - DUE 22
September 2025
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, SECTION A: PRACTICAL QUESTIONS [50 MARKS]
QUESTION 1: Classroom setup activity [20 marks]
1.1. Describe the key elements of an effective Grade R classroom environment.
1. Safety and Accessibility: The classroom must be a safe space with well-defined areas,
rounded corners on furniture, and all materials at a child’s height. All exits should be
clear and easily accessible.
2. Defined Learning Areas: The space should be divided into clear zones for different
activities, such as a reading corner, a block area, a dramatic play area, and an art station.
These defined spaces help children understand where to go for specific activities.
3. Child-Centered and Inviting Decor: The classroom should be decorated with bright
colors, child-friendly visuals, and displays of the children's own work. It should feel like
a welcoming, stimulating, and comfortable space for young learners.
4. Organisation and Labeling: Everything should have a designated place, and containers
and shelves should be clearly labeled with both words and pictures. This promotes
independence, teaches children responsibility, and helps with early literacy skills.
5. Flexibility: The classroom layout should be flexible and adaptable. Furniture should be
easy to move to accommodate large group activities, small group work, or quiet
individual time. The materials should be rotated regularly to maintain interest.
1.2. Materials and resources: List the materials, resources, and layout you would use.
1. Manipulatives: A wide variety of objects that children can touch, move, and use to learn,
such as building blocks, puzzles, shape sorters, and counting beads.
2. Sensory Materials: A sensory table filled with materials like sand, water, rice, or
playdough to stimulate tactile learning and fine motor skills.
3. Reading and Literacy Resources: A well-stocked library with a diverse selection of
books, felt-board stories, big books, and early writing materials like crayons, markers,
and paper.
4. Art Supplies: Easels, paint, paintbrushes, crayons, scissors, glue, and a variety of collage
materials to encourage creativity and self-expression.
5. Dramatic Play Props: A "home corner" with items like dolls, pretend food, costumes,
and kitchen utensils to support role-playing and social-emotional development.
1.3. Learning areas: State at least three (3) areas of the classroom that promote learning.