Learning Environment

Learning Environments

Include both indoor and outdoor areas

Provide opportunities for developmentally appropriate activities

Require structure and thoughtful planning

Learning Environments

Stimulate development of physical, cognitive , emotional, and social learning.

Indoor and outdoor environments help connect children to the world.

Room Arrangement: Store Activity

Learning Environments

Children need to feel safe in order to:

trust and cooperate with othersbecome independent learnersstay involved in workacquire new skills and concepts

Video: Room Arrangement as a Teaching Strategy

Building trust and cooperation

Environment is safe and well organized

Environment is not busy or chaotic

Encouraging independence

Children are allowed to explore

Children clean up by themselves

Children are involved

Reduce distractions

Create ownership

Learning concepts and skills

Organize materials to encourage concept building

Process teaches classifying, matching, and questioning

Create functional environments

Both children and providers need purpose

Environment layout options require focus

Environment arrangements need to be flexible to fit needs

Outdoor Learning Environments

Outdoor learning environments are just as meaningful as indoor lesson planning

Outdoor environments expand cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development

Activity

Discussion about outdoor learning environment

Outdoor Space Considerations

Size/space to engage

Easy access for all

Nature / science center

Digging area

Hard and soft surfaces

Sun and shade areas

Protection from elements

Access to water, bathrooms, and storage

Places to be alone

Space for variety of

activities

Safety ConsiderationsOutdoor area has

Unobstructed view

Adequate “fall zones”

All – around fencing

Equipment is:

Age-appropriate

In good repair

Well-spaced Cushioned in right spaces

Outdoor Play Equipment

Climbing Swinging Balancing Pedaling/riding Building and pretend play

Equipment Considerations

Is there an adequate number of equipment?

Does the equipment stimulate a variety of skills?

Equipment Considerations

Does the equipment stimulate skills at different levels?

Is there stationary and portable equipment available?

Are there accommodations made for children with disabilities?

Fun in the Outdoors(Marshall & Dickson, 2012)

Develop problem-solving skills Embrace dirt and mud Make music and start moving Dress-up is fun indoors and outdoors

Fun in the Outdoors(Marshall & Dickson, 2012)

Provide hideaways and quiet zones Develop outdoor space for art Water exploring leads to math and

science concepts Maximize pathways and entrances

Activity

Evaluate Learning Environments

Activity: Design Learning Environments

Well-designed Learning Environments result in:

Children behaving appropriately Children participating independently Children staying involved Children learning concepts

Well-designed Learning Environments result in:

Learning-focused classrooms Concept-building environments Less distractive behaviors

Questions?