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32.2.5: Curriculum and the Environment

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  • Page ID
    142693

    • Amanda Taintor
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    Environmental Impact

    The environment holds high priority when it comes to curriculum for infants and toddlers. In fact, the environment is such an important part of curriculum that Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the municipal preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, defined the environment as the third teacher. (BIERMEIER, 2015) Think about how materials are arranged within each area of a space: displaying materials at infants' and toddlers' levels makes them easily accessible, supports independent exploration, and allows the caregiver to follow the children’s lead as they create their own curriculum. It is helpful to provide a few types of the same materials so that several children can play without taking turns, minimizing conflict. However, it is essential to avoid offering too many materials since a cluttered room can overwhelm children and create classroom management concerns as well. Regularly rotating materials creates a balance of familiar and new materials, which helps infants and toddlers maintain interest and enjoy age appropriate challenges. (Infant/Toddler Care Providers | Early Childhood Training and Technical Assistance System (hhs.gov))

    This page titled 32.2.5: Curriculum and the Environment is shared under a mixed 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Amanda Taintor.