The learning environment can promote independence and extend learning when carefully considered to meet the needs of all learners.
“The quality of early learning is stimulated, supported and provoked by the quality of the environment in which young children are being educated. The educators in Reggio Emilia refer to the environment as the ‘third educator’ (alongside the adult and a child’s peers) and, indeed, the environment should be as good as another adult in the stimulation, support and provocation it provides.”
– Julie Fisher, ‘Starting from the Child’
When setting up a learning environment is is important to consider the physical environment, the social environment and the structures and routines.
The CIRCLE resource can be used to support the setting up of an inclusive learning environment. For more information and support in using the CIRCLE resource, visit the Education Scotland page here.
Play supports cognitive, social, physical, emotional and behavioural development – allowing children to regulate emotions, improve communication, learn skills and develop positive attitudes to learning.
– Wood and Attfield, ‘Play, learning and the early childhood curriculum
