As young children maneuver through space, the intentional use of area rugs and carpets has the power to dictate their movements and actions. Carpeting that weaves through shelving units provides pathways for young infants to crawl down and explore. A large area rug near a bookshelf creates a soft, comfortable area for toddlers and two-year-olds to flip through books as they build early literacy skills.
Rugs contribute greatly to classroom design. According to Inspired by Nature: Designing Play Places for the Littlest Learners, they typically serve three primary purposes: defining spaces within the room, anchoring a piece of furniture, and creating a comforting and warm classroom atmosphere.
Yet, with so many area rug and carpeting solutions on the market, how do you know which is best? What size rug should go in the different learning centers of an infant, toddler, or two-year-old classroom? What material is safe and most durable for this age group? Does the color and pattern of a rug affect how children learn and grow?
Keep reading to find answers to these questions and a list of essential carpeting must-haves to consider when shopping for classroom rugs.
When choosing a rug for your infant, toddler, or two-year-old classrooms, what should you consider?
Choosing a rug for your classroom may seem easy enough, but as you browse the many options available today, you may realize it is more complex than you imagined. Everything from the size, shape, color, durability, and pile of your rug matter. When choosing a rug for your infant, toddler, or two-year-old classrooms, you want to consider:
Safety and Comfort
Children develop and grow at an outstanding pace, especially during the first two years of life. At this stage, you might see a child go from rolling during tummy time to crawling around the room in a matter of months. It is important for your classroom rugs to be made of soft and anti-slip materials to support these children as they begin to crawl, walk, sit, and stand.
Durability and Cleanliness
Rugs are the hub of activity that can leave behind messes, spots, and stains. Whether it's a bottle of milk that spills during a feeding or an in-use paintbrush that slips from a child's hands as they paint, you need a rug that can withstand a deep cleaning. Rugs made with stain-resistant, washable material that is also durable in high-traffic areas make a great option for infant, toddler, and two-year-old classrooms.
Developmental Value
Rugs can do more than soften the flooring in your classroom; they support the learning that happens as children explore and play. Everything from the color, patterns, shapes, and size of your rug dictates how children should act and behave. Loud colors and busy patterns may indicate to children a carpeted space meant for busy activity. Rugs with numbers, letters, and shapes encourage child interactions. Neutral tones and plush materials give the impression that it is time to settle down and relax.
When choosing a rug for your classrooms, consider its placement and how it might promote learning.
Size and Shape
It is also important to consider how well your rug fits into its intended space. Circular rugs fit best under circular objects such as a round table or plush climber. Rectangular tables work best near shelving units and cubbies. No matter which shape you choose, if placing your rug under a table with chairs, you want to ensure it is large enough that the chairs are still on the rug when pulled out from the table.
Below is a chart from the book Inspired by Nature: Designing Play Places for the Littlest Learners that will show you the best size, shape, pattern, and pile of rugs depending on where you want to place them in your classroom:
|
Learning Center |
Rug Shape |
Rug Size |
Rug Pattern |
Rug Pile |
|
Rectangle to align with rectangular shelves |
Large enough for children to build on and lay out blocks side by side |
No pattern, single color |
Low or none |
|
|
Circle for round table; rectangle for rectangular table |
Large enough to fit under table and chairs, and enough room to pull out chairs and still be on the rug |
Solid color, multicolored, or patterned |
Low, high, or none |
|
|
Rectangle to align with rectangular storage; circular to align with baskets or curved shelves |
Small enough to be cozy and fit no more than three children |
If used under table, solid color, multicolored, or patterned; if used on open floor, single color |
Low, high, or none |
|
|
Circle for round table; square or rectangle for rectangular table |
Large enough to define floor area or anchor the table |
|
If used under a table, low, high, or none; if used on the open floor, low or none |
Which Kaplan-exclusive carpets are good options for the infant, toddler, or two-year-old classroom?
Every facility has unique needs when it comes to carpeting and rugs, and any of our Kaplan-exclusive options would make a great addition to your classroom environment. Here are some of our best-selling options that meet the criteria mentioned above:
Sense of Place Highland Stripe Carpet
Designed to reflect nature's beauty and calming colors, the Sense of Place Highland Stripe rug's plush yarn is treated to guard against odor, mold, stains, and static shock. The low pile and no-pull edges provide the perfect floor covering for infants and toddlers learning to sit, walk, and crawl. It will fit perfectly in your dramatic play and block learning centers, as well as a cozy reading nook. This rug is oval and comes in the following sizes: 8' X 12' and 6' X 9'.
Seating Leaves, Rocks, and Logs Carpet
Create an inviting classroom atmosphere with the Seating Leaves, Rocks, and Logs Carpet. The detailed illustrations of logs, stones, and small creatures encourage nature exploration and provide a space for every child to sit during circle time and large group activities. You can also use this rug to promote gross motor development by asking older toddlers and two-year-olds to jump from rock to rock. You can purchase this rectangular rug in the following sizes: 8' X 12' and 6' X 9'.
Sense of Place Leaf Carpet
Another option for a calming classroom aesthetic, the Sense of Place Leaf Carpet features neutral colors and leafy shapes that bring a hint of nature to your indoor spaces. The material is treated with advanced stain blocker technology and features a limited lifetime abrasive wear warranty. This rectangular rug is available in two sizes: 8' X 12' and 6' X 9'.
Sense of Place Hex Carpet
Incorporate natural color schemes and fun patterns into the environments where infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds play with the Sense of Place Hex Carpet. Available in various colors, this plush rug is perfect for a calming corner, dramatic play area, or at the main entrance of your classroom. The stain-resistant nylon material is easy to clean and protects against odors, mildew, mold, and static shock. This rectangular rug is available in the following sizes: 8' X 12' and 6' X 9'.
Ready to add fun rugs and carpeting solutions to your infant, toddler, and two-year-old classrooms?
As you can see, classroom carpets do much more than cover your flooring. They create spaces that make children feel calm, comfortable, and ready to learn. Kaplan fully understands the needs of the infant, toddler, and two-year-old classroom, and we do our best to manufacture and deliver carpeting solutions that meet those needs. When ready, visit our website to browse our full selection of engaging, durable, and comfortable rugs and carpeting solutions. You can also use the myKaplan FloorPlanner digital design tool to see how our rugs will look and fit in your classroom spaces.
