Environment as the Third Teacher: Designing Intentional Spaces for Young Children By Cheryl Anderson, QCCI Training & Professional Development Coordinator.

Environment as the Third Teacher: Environment as the Third Teacher: Designing Intentional Spaces Designing Intentional Spaces

for Young Childrenfor Young Children

By Cheryl Anderson, QCCI Training & Professional Development Coordinator

October 22, 2103

What is the environment?What is the environment?Indoor and outdoor spacePhysical design of equipment,

furnishings, and materialsDaily schedule

Why is the environment Why is the environment important to children, staff important to children, staff and families?and families?“Our environments have a great influence on

how we feel and how we behave.”Margie Carter and Deb Curtis

This is your second home (consider the elements within your own home that offer you comfort, security and a sense of belonging)

Offers children the opportunity for choices, exploration, relaxation, investigation & discovery

Engages families by creating connectionsReflects our beliefs about children and what

they deserveSupports their development, interactions, and

their interests

WHAT MEMORIES DO WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE OF THIS SPACE?

What is the role of the Early What is the role of the Early Childhood Educator?Childhood Educator?

To be intentional in the design of the environment both inside and outside

To reflect the children, staff and families in the design of the environment

To supply materials and activities that reflect the strengths/needs and interests of the children and deepen their explorations

To provide children with relevant, real, hands-on materials

To provide long uninterrupted periods of time for children to explore their environment

To be playful!

What elements contribute to What elements contribute to a well-designed & inviting a well-designed & inviting

environment?environment?Room arrangementStorage & arrangement of materialsAestheticsNatural elementsAuthentic materials Honoring children’s lives & experiences Indoor and outdoor space consideration

Room ArrangementRoom Arrangement

Room ArrangementRoom Arrangement Provide variety of learning areas When placing learning areas, consider their

function and their mood – consider how to define space

Be aware of space needs for different learning areas – is there enough room for children to engage with materials?

Provide enough materials for each area (need enough materials to have deep exploration for group of children)

Be aware of how children flow through areas – do pathways/walkways interfere with children’s play?

Be aware of possible barriers to play (create an inclusive play environment for all!)

Is the lighting appropriate for the space? Rules around space (can materials be moved from

area to area to extend play?

Storage and Arrangement of Storage and Arrangement of MaterialsMaterials

Storage and Arrangement of Storage and Arrangement of MaterialsMaterials

What materials do we provide?Open-ended versus close-ended? Loose parts?

Representational materials?How often do we rotate them?How do we make materials available to children?Do we organize our shelves with a place for all

materials – children lose interest in their space when it is overwhelmed with items placed without purpose

Create a system for children to retrieve and return objects (use containers that are transparent or made of natural materials and identified by word, picture, object or combination)

Do we present materials by creating invitations?

Invitations are a collection of interesting and Invitations are a collection of interesting and carefully combined materials aesthetically carefully combined materials aesthetically presented. These invitations may be used to:presented. These invitations may be used to:. Respond to/enhance an emerging interest. Respond to/enhance an emerging interest. Introduce children to a new concept. Introduce children to a new concept. Help children learn new skills. Help children learn new skills

Aesthetics Aesthetics

AestheticsAesthetics Consider the elements of light , sound, “visual

clutter”, texture, and colour Implement a variety of lighting sources (floor

lamps, table lamps, light table, overhead projector, chandeliers, lights with dimmers, flashlights, prisms or glass balls at windows)

Sound – be aware of how sound can affect children – create various listening experiences

“Visual clutter” – what do we have on our walls? Be intentional with displays.

Texture – need to provide children with different textures (infuse recycled textures)

Colour – can be powerful in both positive and negative ways

Use neutral colours on walls and add accent colours with decorative elements (pillows, rugs, children’s artwork, curtains, materials)

Natural ElementsNatural Elements

Natural ElementsNatural ElementsYour space should be filled with natural or living

things – what things?Learning tool + they enhance space with beautyLose the plastic – plastic gives off 35X more

energy than woodChildren need concrete, real objects (real nature

not plastic)Natural elements can be used in play

EXERCISE: Photo StudyLook at the photos provided and share how natural

elements or loose parts are being used in children’s play.

Authentic MaterialsAuthentic Materials

Authentic MaterialsAuthentic MaterialsTerm “authentic” refers to an object that is

commonly seen or used in an adult space Allows children’s play experiences to mirror

real lifeWhat authentic materials could be added to

each of the following learning centres?1. Dramatic Play2. Block Area3. Science Area

Honouring Children’s Lives & Honouring Children’s Lives & ExperiencesExperiences

Honouring Children’s Lives Honouring Children’s Lives and Experiencesand Experiences

How do we personalize the space for children? How do we make it theirs?

How do we make connections between home and child care?

How do we recognize the uniqueness of our children and families?

What is the image of the learner conveyed by the materials/things displayed?

Are the children’s ideas, work & words honoured by displays?

Do commercial materials contribute to children’s learning?

Indoor and Outdoor SpaceIndoor and Outdoor Space

Indoor and Outdoor SpaceIndoor and Outdoor SpaceShould be an extension of each otherMaterials and activities can be the same

Groups to engage in Photo Study and ask yourselves:

1. What engages me as I look at the photos?2. What elements could I add to my existing

space?