Here are some thoughts on sizing that has worked well in L1:
- L1 shelving would ideally be around 12"x24"x44.5" (+2" casters). In L2 you could have higher shelving (29" + 2" casters). However, clear sight lines are always important and shelving higher than this creates spaces that are difficult to see and challenging for the youngest children to use easily. Consider using shelving without backs to help with sight lines as well. With shelves the size I have listed here, the L1 space requires 6-7 shelves. If you are planning to have L1 and L2 in the same space (at different times of the day or week) you will need about 3 additional shelves with a total of 9-10. If your L2 is in a separate space you will need a total of 7-8 shelves in L2.
- Chowkis are tables that are low to the floor, do not require chairs, and can be easily moved by the children. While they can have a surface area as small as 12"x18" they are ideally closer to 20"x24" with 8.5"/9.5" "legs" making them 9-10" tall. Chowkis, the Prayer Table, the Good Shepherd table, the Cenacle material and any other station where the child will sit on the floor should be no higher than 10"-12". At this height even the youngest child, seated on the floor, can easily reach, work with, and enjoy the materials and space.
- Children's tables come in many sizes and heights. Be careful to ensure that the chairs you use leave space for the child's knees at each table. The surface area for L1 tables can be around 18"x30". L2/3 tables will need to be larger, 22-24"x30-33", fitting a juvenile or adult sized chair. In a L2/L3 Atrium you might consider having a few 2-person tables which are even larger and possibly even one large table where a group of L3 children can gather for a Bible study. If you are using one space for L1-L3 consider sticking primarily to chowkis as children (and adults) of all ages can use them with ease.
- The "Gestures altar" in L1 is "child sized" and thus should be proportionate (for the 3yo child to height of the real altar for the priest. In practice this works out to about 20-22" in height with a surface area of about 20"x24". For the L2 child the height of this material could be closer to 28" in height. The credence table is typically smaller with a 9"/10" height and a surface area of 12"x18".
- The Prayer Table and the Good Shepherd table should parallel the height of chowkis (10"-12"), but both need a larger surface area to accommodate the items they hold. The Good Shepherd table needs to hold both "circles" or pastures and the Prayer Table, particularly during the Advent season, needs to hold a number of items. Consider 20"x35" as the surface area for these tables. In addition, a lower shelf could of value especially for the Good Shepherd work as the "Church" materials can be stored there. While it is ideal to have a circular table for the Good Shepherd work it is difficult to find one that will fit both circles, side by side, and still be accessible for the young child's limited arm reach. A rectangular table seems to be a more practical solution and fits the children well.