The Influence of Environments

In Caring Spaces, Learning Places, Jim Greenman defined the environment as the external conditions and factors that might influence us, not just the physical space, “but also how time is structured, roles are allotted, and expectations of our behavior are formed.” The environment is physical, sensory (light, smells, textures, colors, sounds, temperature…), social and even temporal. Greenman goes on to say, “The physical and social environment plays a major role in our social and psychological lives, influencing the stress we experience in accomplishing personal and group goals, the form and nature of our social contacts, and our feelings of identity and self-worth.”

In discussing the Prepared Environment in their new book Complementary Curriculum Approach, Lisa Porter Kuh and Iris Chin Ponte note, “It is important to reconsider some well-ingrained norms about what early childhood classrooms should look like and how they should be set up for learning. With guidance from legacy thinkers in early education, teachers can design classrooms that reflect their values about childhood and the teaching and learning experience.”

Throughout their discussion, Porter and Kuh offer helpful points of reflection: What is the first thing you see? How do you feel in your room? And, “What do you need from your surroundings to do your best work and learning? What do the children need? This is about more than beautiful classrooms painted in soft tones. It is also about children’s access to prepared environments that are interesting, spark independence and agency, and are happy and joyful places to learn. This kind of environment should be a right for every child.”

Share your thoughts in the comments about how your environment impacts you and the children in your care.

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