Environments that Reflect Our Vision of Children

12/28/2021

Environments that Reflect Our Vision of Children

All of us inhabit settings, and much can be learned through observing and analyzing our own reactions to built spaces, and the reactions of others… In carrying out the business of daily life, how do spatial arrangements assist or get in the way?
Jim Greenman, Caring Spaces, Learning Places

“We can create environments that reflect and support our vision of children as capable, powerful designers of their own learning. We can make a point of opening up opportunities for children to have influence on the physical space in which they work and play.” So writes Sarah Felstiner in an article that’s part of Exchange Essentials: Designing Intentional Play Spaces and Learning Environments, Felstiner shares a range of ideas she’s used with children in her care:

Indoors and out, “perhaps the simplest and most powerful way to involve children in classroom design is to offer materials that let children reconstruct and change the environment daily. If those items are readily available to children, they can use them as needed to design their own playscapes, experimenting and figuring out what they want.” In addition:

Be open to change—and clear out clutter to pave the way.
Provide loose parts “large enough to act as architectural elements”—large swaths of fabric, recycled boxes and tubes, sturdy milk crates, logs, etc.
Observe how children use and modify their environment, then rearrange it to facilitate their interests—talk with children about these changes.
Involve children and families in transformations, such as painting a mural or furnishings.
Reflect the children’s role in design through shared documentation.

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.