Facilities
In early childhood education the classrooms and play yards which constitute the learning environment are considered the “third teacher.” The design of these spaces and the intentionality with which they are organized set the stage for meaningful learning experiences for the children.
The Learning Environment
Children require an environment that reflects and respects their interests and ideas, provides creative and open-ended experiences, offers opportunities to work alone or alongside each other and promotes a sense of authentic choice. The learning environment is one of the most important ways to personalize learning. It is informed by child development theory, the intentional planning of the teacher and the current interests of the children. It promotes motivation, inspiration and belonging. The learning environment is child centered, rich in a range of materials, resources and opportunities in which children can engage. The attention to detail in the learning environment provides the richness of the learning and the overall engagement of the children. ~From The Walker Learning Approach