Enhance children's learning environment

The learning environment is a broad and profound term. It is much more than the physical environment with walls, furniture, and some toys here and there. It is vital to consider its design.

How do we assess the classroom as a learning environment?

A typical learning environment is a classroom. It is not indifferent what kind of environment children have around them. The environment affects how children behave during the day; do they get restless or stressed easily? Are children able to focus on their play and activities? Can children find things to do that interest them?

Assess your classroom according to these points and enhance every corner of it!

The participation of the child:

• Are children "present" in the classroom? Are their artworks, toys, and photos visible?
• Are children able to choose what they want to play?
• How are the toys available in the classroom? Can children find the toys they look for easily?
• How can children affect the functionality of the classroom?

The classroom from the child's perspective:

• What can children see and reach?
• Are the toys and games suitable for the children's age group?
• What interests children in the room?
• What kind of possibilities are there for child-initiated creative play?
• What possibilities exist for other child-initiated activities such as physical movement, creative art, or resting?

Which areas are working well, and which ones need modification:

• Ask children for their opinions about the classroom. What do they like? What would they like to have in there?
• Observe children and their play. What is the most used play area? Is there an area that does not attract players? What could be the reason?

Keep the "child glasses" on and list things that could be changed or added in the classroom. Double-check that the environment is safe for the children (electrical cords, scissors, small items, steps...).

Versatile learning environments promote learning

Learning can happen anywhere, both in the built environment and in nature.

In Finland, we think that learning does not only happen inside classrooms; the entire city can actually be a learning environment!

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Therefore, think about the environments you can incorporate in learning and add them to your curriculum. Libraries, forests, beaches, museums, football fields, neighborhoods... Learning can happen anywhere, both in the built environment and in nature. When you plan versatile learning environments, take the children's ideas and wishes with you.

Ask the children about the learning environments:

• Where would you like to go for a visit outside the classroom?
• What is your favorite place?
• What would you like to learn about?

After you get some ideas, introduce ways to incorporate indoor and outdoor activities into the schedule. Think of proper supplies and materials considered developmentally appropriate for preschool classrooms.

Also, consider the details inside your classroom: alternative seating, interesting displays on children's levels, toys and materials available, and a place for resting and reading.

The order of furniture, materials, and toys available to the children can be changed occasionally. Toys and other materials can vary according to the learning theme. Also, recycling toys between groups is an excellent idea so that as many children enjoy them as possible!

Click to the next blog "How do we make different play areas visible and interesting?"

Happy learning - in and out!