7: Creating an Effective Learning Environment
- Understand various program types, delivery systems, quality standards, licensing and regulation structures in early childhood settings.
- Define and describe the difference between the physical, social, and temporal environments of an early learning program
- Describe why a well-designed physical, social, and temporal environment benefits young children
As we have learned in previous chapters, developing relationships, as well as understanding the developmental stages and individual interests and skills of children is crucial to effective teaching. This is accomplished through interactions and both informal and formal observations with the children in our care. This information will form the cornerstone of what is called “curriculum”, which includes both the planned and unplanned experiences that occur throughout the day. While you will devote an entire course to understanding curriculum in ECE 104 (Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood), we will visit some of the basic concepts below.
“A great classroom environment comes from the heart, not the wallet. It’s built on love, laughter, and a feeling that everyone belongs.” -venspired.com
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- 7.1: Standards and Competencies
- This chapter addresses NAEYC Standards for early childhood professional preparation, focusing on promoting child development, effective approaches, and meaningful curriculum. It aligns with California Early Childhood Educator Competencies, emphasizing child development, culture, family engagement, health, curriculum, assessment, relationships, inclusion, and community engagement. It also references NAEYC's Code of Ethical Conduct, detailing responsibilities to children, families, and society.
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- 7.2: The Classroom Environment as the Third Teacher
- The environment plays a central role in child development and learning, acting as the 'third teacher' according to Loris Malaguzzi???s concept. This approach emphasizes a flexible and responsive environment where teachers and children collaboratively create meaningful learning experiences. Such environments foster creativity and help shape a child's identity by reflecting values and encouraging exploration beyond surface-level interactions.
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- 7.3: Evaluating the Environment
- The Environment Rating Scales (ERS) are tools used to evaluate and assess early learning and childcare programs to ensure they meet children's needs. A quality program, according to ERS, must provide health and safety protection, foster positive relationships, and offer learning opportunities. The ERS consist of different scales tailored for various age groups and settings, including infant/toddler, early childhood, school-age care, and family child care.
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- 7.4: Behavior affected by environments
- The environment plays a crucial role in influencing a child's behavior, as illustrated by the scenarios provided. A poorly arranged physical setting, unplanned transitions, and quick teacher responses can lead to challenging behaviors. Strategies for improvement include adjusting floor plans, planning daily routines, and communicating effectively with children. The physical, social-emotional, and temporal aspects of the environment send powerful messages that affect behavior.
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- 7.5: Key Components for Creating Early Childhood Environments
- The California Preschool Program Guidelines emphasize the importance of an intentionally designed learning environment, which includes three key aspects: physical, social-emotional, and temporal environments. The physical environment should be welcoming, culturally familiar, and safe, promoting exploration and development. Effective design requires a careful floor plan and consideration of regulations like Title 22. Outdoor spaces should also be accessible and organized.
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- 7.6: Let’s Take a look at the Social-Emotional Environment
- The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center emphasizes the importance of social-emotional development in children, defining social development as the ability to form relationships and emotional development as the ability to manage and express emotions appropriately. A supportive social environment, driven by effective teacher-child interactions, is essential for fostering these skills.
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- 7.7: Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Temporal Environment
- The importance of structured routines and schedules in childhood settings is emphasized for fostering a sense of security and predictability. Children thrive with regular routines, enabling them to focus on activities without concern about what's next. Effective schedules guide daily activities, facilitating exploration, confidence, engagement, and social interaction.
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- 7.8: Creating an Inclusive Environment
- The U.S. Department of Education and Health and Human Services emphasizes the importance of including children with disabilities in early childhood programs alongside their peers. This involves high expectations, promoting participation in learning and social activities, and providing individualized accommodations and evidence-based support for their development.
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- 7.9: In Closing
- The page emphasizes the significant impact of physical spaces, tone, and routines on children's development, advocating for environments tailored to their various backgrounds and developmental stages. These spaces should encourage safe exploration and learning. It describes the environment as the "third teacher," stressing its crucial role in children???s experiences. The final chapter will focus on collaborating with families to enhance learning across a child's home and school life.