When I read that we needed to have signs for all of our areas I immediately saw the benefits. The kids would see words outdoors and begin to associate the letters to the words.
However, I also discovered that it was a great way to retain consistent language among adults. Suddenly everyone was referring to a space with the same name and there was less miscommunication.
I kept stressing the importance of keeping the given name, but I’ve noticed subtle nuances that I thought were interesting.
For instance, our Gathering Area consists of the Gazebo and rock seats.. however because the Gazebo is noticeable from anywhere outside I’ve heard several people directing kids to “the gazebo”.
Another subtle difference is the Music Area and the Acoustic Shell. I thought the fancier name would be interesting for the kids, but I’ve heard a few teachers shorten it to the ‘music shed’.
I still have a few signs to make, our library area doesn’t have an official name yet, and I laugh to myself when I imagine a small sign for the mini area (but I still have to settle on that name too).