Learning Environment
Learning Environments
 Include
both indoor and outdoor areas
 Provide
opportunities for
developmentally appropriate activities
 Require
structure and thoughtful
planning
Learning Environments
 Stimulate
development of physical,
cognitive , emotional, and social
learning.
 Indoor and outdoor environments help
connect children to the world.
Room Arrangement:
Store Activity
Learning Environments
Children need to feel safe in order to:
 trust
and cooperate with others
 become independent learners
 stay involved in work
 acquire new skills and concepts
Video: Room Arrangement as
a Teaching Strategy
Building trust and cooperation
 Environment
is safe and well organized
 Environment
is not busy or chaotic
Encouraging independence
 Children
are allowed to explore
 Children
clean up by themselves
Children are involved
 Reduce
 Create
distractions
ownership
Learning concepts and skills
 Organize
materials to encourage
concept building
 Process
teaches classifying, matching,
and questioning
Create functional
environments
 Both
children and providers need
purpose
 Environment layout options require
focus
 Environment arrangements need to be
flexible to fit needs
Outdoor Learning
Environments
 Outdoor
learning environments are just
as meaningful as indoor lesson planning
 Outdoor environments expand
cognitive, social-emotional, and physical
development
Activity
Discussion about outdoor learning
environment
Outdoor Space Considerations

Size/space to engage

Easy access for all


Sun and shade areas

Protection from elements

Access to water,
bathrooms, and storage

Places to be alone

Space for variety of
activities
Nature / science center

Digging area

Hard and soft surfaces
Safety Considerations
Outdoor area has
Equipment is:

Unobstructed view

Age-appropriate

Adequate “fall zones”

In good repair

All – around fencing

Well-spaced
Cushioned in right spaces

Outdoor Play Equipment
 Climbing
 Swinging
 Balancing
 Pedaling/riding
 Building
and pretend play
Equipment Considerations
 Is
there an adequate number of
equipment?
 Does
the equipment stimulate a variety
of skills?
Equipment Considerations
 Does
the equipment stimulate skills at
different levels?
 Is
there stationary and portable
equipment available?
 Are
there accommodations made for
children with disabilities?
Fun in the Outdoors
(Marshall & Dickson, 2012)
 Develop
problem-solving skills
 Embrace dirt and mud
 Make music and start moving
 Dress-up is fun indoors and outdoors
Fun in the Outdoors
(Marshall & Dickson, 2012)
 Provide
hideaways and quiet zones
 Develop outdoor space for art
 Water exploring leads to math and
science concepts
 Maximize pathways and entrances
Activity
Evaluate Learning Environments
Activity: Design Learning
Environments
Well-designed Learning
Environments result in:
 Children
behaving appropriately
 Children participating independently
 Children staying involved
 Children learning concepts
Well-designed Learning
Environments result in:
 Learning-focused
classrooms
 Concept-building environments
 Less distractive behaviors
Questions?