On the Importance of the Learning Environment

09/01/2006

On the Importance of the Learning Environment

The more healthy relationships a child has, the more likely he will be to recover from trauma and thrive. Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love.
Dr. Bruce Perry

Recently, I traveled to visit my colleagues at the Toyoko Gakuen Women’s College in Tokyo, Japan. Three years ago, the college established a department of Early Childhood Care and Education. This initiative was launched with much care to create a setting where a strong curriculum is supported by an enriched learning environment. In short, it’s beautiful.

The learning environment at the college ensures that students remain focused on understanding children and their development. The Faculty members and college administrators achieve this through…

Decorating seminar rooms with high quality, finely crafted toys
Dedicating classroom space to specific elements of the curriculum (e.g., art and music studios)
Maintaining an environment that is both organized and playful
Having children and their parents engaged in activities at the college.

I visited at a time when Tokyo was preparing for Tanabata (star festival), a time when the Milky Way provides the opportunity for two stars to meet. In celebration, it is customary to write one’s wishes on paper and hang them on a bamboo tree in hopes that the wishes come true. I wish that we all look for ways to keep our students focused on the children.

Contributed by Laurie McNelles – Mothercraft Institute for Early Development

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