Howto & Style

The Learning Environment as the Third Teacher

📚 Main Topics

The Role of Environment in Learning
- The environment is considered the "third teacher" alongside adults and peers.
- A well-designed environment reflects the values and image of the child as a capable learner.
Creating an Inviting Learning Space
- Use of natural, open-ended materials (loose parts) to foster creativity.
- Incorporation of family connections through projects like a family tree.
Provocations as Invitations to Learn
- Activities designed to spark curiosity and engagement, such as building patterns with LEGO or drawing from nature.
- Encouragement of inquiry through hands-on experiments, like growing a pumpkin plant.
Play-Based Learning
- Emphasis on intentional play that promotes thinking and learning.
- Documentation of learning experiences through drawings and writings to enhance accountability.
Flexible Learning Spaces
- Preference for open areas over traditional desks to allow for exploration and learning in various settings.
- Inclusion of classroom pets to stimulate inquiry and questions.
Use of Technology
- Integration of digital tools, such as iPads, to facilitate learning and creativity.

✨ Key Takeaways

The physical environment significantly influences children's feelings and behaviors, impacting their learning experiences.
Children are seen as capable learners, and the classroom should reflect this belief through its setup and materials.
Learning should be playful yet intentional, encouraging children to think critically about their activities.
Documentation of learning is essential for accountability and reflection on the learning process.

🧠 Lessons

Design classrooms that are inviting and reflective of the values you wish to instill in children.
Use open-ended materials to empower creativity and exploration.
Foster a culture of inquiry by allowing children to experiment and ask questions.
Encourage children to document their learning, which helps them articulate their thoughts and understand their learning journey.
Embrace flexibility in learning spaces to accommodate various activities and promote engagement.

Transcript excerpt

0:09 Lloris malaguti who's the founder of the reggio emilia approach to early education believe it there were three teachers of children one of those as adults the other is other children and the third one is the physical environment for this reason I'm very conscious of the environment as the third teacher and the role that it plays in a child's learning I believe strongly that our environment has a great influence on how we feel and how we behave not just as children but also as adults and we really need to think about what values we want to communicate

0:41 through our classroom environment so the environment should really reflect our image of the child one of these values is that the child is the capable learner and that is a message as as that is communicated as soon as the child enters our room we provide glass jars and clay pots to hold writing materials we have access to mirrors mosaic tiles glass shams all these things that the children know that we think that they are responsible of using those materials

1:17 I also wanted to create a home away from home for my students when they connects them to their families and so we created a family tree and at our meet the teacher night parents came in and were given the opportunity to write some positive words of encouragement or some wishes for this child on one of the leaves that then was put onto the tree with Thor family picture [Music]

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