The Classroom as the Third Teacher Day 2

The Classroom as the Third Teacher

7/26/2016

Day Two

There are three teachers of children, adults, other children, and their physical environment. Loris Malaguzzi

The choices we make about our environment create a link directly to the play and learning in the classroom. We are going to talk today about how we can render a great influence

What does the environment as the third teacher mean?

Taking particular care and attention to the environment where children learn.
Creating an environment that enables children to develop relationships with the world around them.
To reflect values and shape identity.
Presenting learning materials as gifts.

Early childhood environments should
be inviting and cultivate children’s
curiosity, wonder and imagination.
- Curtis and Carter

The physical environment that we create can either enhance or interfere with children’s learning and independence. What this means is that children learn just as much from the placement of hands on materials in the classroom environment as they do from guided instruction.

I challenge you to re-examine every inch of your classroom environment for the message that it conveys to the people using it, and expand your vision of what is possible.

Things to consider:

Values – What values do you want to communicate to those that use the space?
Experiences – How do you want children, teachers and families experiencing their time in your environment?
Identity – How do you demonstrate that you respect the identity of children and their families?

There is no better time than now to start envisioning and creating a beautiful environment for children where they grow, thrive and are inspired to explore and discover.

Task Two:
Think about your classroom and how it makes you feel and the people that live in it. To help you with this process answer the few questions below or print and use the worksheet.