DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET MealTime and SnackTime 1. Is there a peaceful mealtime environment free from distractions, overstimulation, and conflict? 2. Are children allowed and encouraged to relax and enjoy peers’ company as they eat? 3. Is there enough space for children to sit comfortably and promote conversation during meals? 4. Is the room or eating space bright and attractive? 5. Is there a staff member who interacts with children while they are eating? 6. Is snacktime long enough so children can decide when they would like to eat? Quiet Time 1. Are there places for children to be alone and relax in comfortable furniture? 2. Are there places where children can be with only one or two other children? 3. Can the mood of an area be changed with the amount of light or by rearranging furniture? 4. Are children given permission and encouraged to relax and slow down for a while? 5. Are staff available to talk with children if need be? Indoor Play 1. Is there an indoor open area large enough for all children to sit, dance, put on a play, exercise, or play together? 2. Does the indoor space support activities for a team or large group as well as for one child or a small group? 3. Are there adequate lighting, ventilation, and sound-absorbing elements to support children’s active play? 4. Are children encouraged to participate in exercise and fitness activities? From Great Afterschool Programs and Spaces That Wow! by Linda J. Armstrong and Christine A. Schmidt, © 2013. Published by Redleaf Press, www.redleafpress.org. This page may be reproduced for classroom use only. 12 • Chapter 1 COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL