In teacher Katie Bezayiff’s revamped classroom, transitional kindergartners are finding creative ways to explore their learning — whether they collaborate on art projects, play make-believe with full-size wooden dollhouses or dive into new reading material.
This room makeover is the result of a partnership between the Fullerton School District and School Specialty, an educational products provider. Ahead of the current school year, the two worked together to turn Ms. Bezayiff’s Maple Elementary School classroom into an engaging environment that fosters creativity and curiosity through learning stations commonly used in the Reggio Emilia approach.
Named after a small town in Northern Italy, the Reggio Emilia philosophy centers on the belief that children can reach their fullest potential when they create their own learning experiences. These methods often involve various forms of expression such as singing songs, making art and engaging in imaginative play.
As more local schools incorporate universal transitional kindergarten into their early learning programs, the Fullerton School District has deepened its commitment to creating spaces that meet the needs of their youngest learners while delivering high-quality education, said Educational Services Director Emily McDougall.
Since installing its first Reggio-inspired classroom 18 years ago, the district continues to invest in this approach, with Bezayiff’s classroom being the latest to undergo this transformation. This recognition comes in part due to her exceptional work with young learners, which earned her the title of a 2024 Educator of the Year by the California League of Educators.
Each day, Bezayiff’s transitional kindergarten class starts with a smooth transition from home to school, beginning with story time and hands-on activities that develop students’ fine motor skills. The most impactful learning occurs during “work choice” and “exploration” stations — when students direct their own play, cultivating curiosity and solving problems through open-ended activities.
“Our unique learning space is aligned with a child-centered, play-based learning approach, helping my students transition into a more structured learning environment while fostering a love for exploration and learning,” said Bezayiff.
Filled with natural materials, movable furniture and imaginative toys, the classroom encourages students to actively participate and strengthen their social interactions with peers. Just days before the school year started, educators and district leadership previewed the new setup on the historic Maple Elementary campus, which just celebrated 100 years.
Within the first week of school, visitors remarked on the classroom’s peaceful and joyful atmosphere. At a recent community event, parents expressed admiration for the new space and former students couldn’t resist asking Bezayiff, “Can I come back and be in your class again?”
Bezayiff has already noticed her students feeling right at home in the new space. Giving each child the opportunity to choose how they want to learn has enabled them to thrive in every activity and project.
“Education is about inspiring wonder, and when you go into that room and look at it through the eyes of a 4-year-old, what you’re going to see is wonder and curiosity,” said Superintendent Dr. Bob Pletka.