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Great Spaces for Early Childhood Education

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It seems that with almost every study that comes out revealing new insights into how the brain best learns, early childhood seems to be the key. Not only do we find the building blocks for future educational success, but also more knowledge about how to make early childhood more beneficial for our youngest students. With that awareness comes ideas on how to make early childhood education spaces more productive.

children playing Kingsbridge Heights Community - Center Bronx, NY

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center – Bronx, NY

Unstructured play

In all levels of school, we are seeing the value of allowing students to explore the world using their own intellect and creativity. This is particularly important in early childhood, where students get to explore how the world itself works at the most fundamental levels. There are ways to help this process along.

Playhouses, a staple in early childhood classrooms, should be modernized to reflect today’s technology, shifting gender roles, and the 21st century’s multi-cultural society. Use of manipulatives, blocks, and art media should be widely available. Seating should be varied, providing for each student’s modalities and collaboration.

Surrounded by literacy

For years, early childhood literacy has been accomplished through direct instruction. That is still effective, but new research suggests that even allowing students independent interaction with letters and numbers helps build fluency. Every classroom should surround students with them.

To create an inviting space for reading, all you need is a cozy corner with comfortable seating and book displays and storage units.

classroom Cullins-Lake Pointe Elementary - School Rowlett, TX

Cullins-Lake Pointe Elementary School – Rowlett, TX

Technology in early childhood

Children as young as a year old can navigate today’s handheld devices. They are true digital natives whose skills will grow with the speed of the technology itself. Not only should today’s early childhood classroom reflect those needs with furnishings that keeps devices safe and charged, but it should also prepare students to contribute to that world through STEM experiences and toys that teach students the basics of logic, which is the foundation of coding and design.

This article is a summary of “The right environment for today’s early learners.” from our 2017 Projects by Design Idea Book.

Download the Idea Book for FREE to read the full article.

The Idea Book is about one thing – inspiration. Click here to see what other useful articles and information is included in the book.

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Learn More

For assistance with early childhood classroom layouts and design, visit www.ProjectsByDesign.com.To contact us, please call 800-305-0174 or email projectsbydesign@schoolspecialty.com.

The post Great Spaces for Early Childhood Education appeared first on Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty.


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