3 Important Elements of a Learning Environment

“Environments are pleasant, welcoming and provide appropriate levels of stimulation” (Washington, 2017)
* In our toddler classroom at Tot Spot we have most of our children come in around 8-8:50 which is in the middle of our breakfast (8-9) so our goal is to create a smooth transition that not only makes it easier on our toddlers, but our parents appreciate that we incorporate them by “helping” them wash their hands and pick out the chair they want to sit in or showing mommy/daddy/whomever how they can grab the bowls/plates/silverware that they need and also self-serve the components to breakfast. It typically takes away that immediate saying bye and walking away and creates the child to become more calmly included into the group and has improved most of my kids with being able to say bye themselves once they showed off their independence skills. At arrival my students usually receive a hug or high five and a “good morning my friend; I’m so happy to see you” and I usually add one positive thing about the day to gain their interest. Having child stagger in during breakfast time also creates a less chaotic environment for toddlers and making sure all materials are prepped and ready on the table so that breakfast can run smoothly and everything flows nicely. We also leave the table one by one to allow each child the time to clear their space and not have a cluster of kids all trying to get up at once.
“Schedule allows for routine needs of children to be met” (Washington, 2017)
* Our daily schedule has minor flexibility as we all know stuff happens and we all have to tweak things to keep the children happy, safe and teachers sane. We have housekeeping and table toys open as the children have finished breakfast before we join at 9:30 for a combined “good morning” song on our circle time carpet before splitting into groups. This allows for 1 teacher to clean up the breakfast mess and do those dishes before we start our learning and play activities which allows for all children to be tended to and not left without the attention of a staff while they are getting ready for our transition. We have two designated groups that we split into where one will start with the remainder of circle time, and one does our daily activity then we switch before having outside play. It is crucial to our center that everything is done in groups or as my director says “staggered”, which I totally agree makes the transitions smoother and we all are happier with how calm and happy our kids are with smaller group transitions. With having a group of 4/5 toddlers compared to 9 it creates more time and attention to address the individual needs of the child so everybody can be successful to their ability. Having a consistent schedule also helps make for a clear expectation for the children as well as the staff especially those who are not typically in the classroom.
“Creates a nurturing relationship with each child” (Washington, 2017)
* I personally excel in creating loving and caring relationships with my students and have successfully created healthy adult relationships with my parents. Communication is always key! Parents love to hear positive commentary on their child/ren, especially at pickup. My way of relaying anything “negative” is always making it followed by something positive. I tend to tune into parents and child specifically and express what they are excelling and what needs more practice, and I am always giving advice and tips on how to help my children be more successful. Each child needs love and acceptance at home and at daycare which I double up on the nurturement whether I know they are lacking it from home or if they need more support while at school because every child learns differently and will need more support than others to be successful. I stay tuned into each of my children individually to accommodate their specific needs and provide praise and advocate strongly when needed.
Link for parents, staff or children.
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/3-types-learning-environments2111.html