Environment

Creating an environment that fosters play and exploration is essential for young children. A new idea for North American teachers is the notion that the environment can act as the “third teacher”. According to Susan Fraser in Authentic Childhood: Experiencing Reggio Emilia in the Classroom, a classroom that is functioning successfully as a third teacher will be responsive to the children’s interests, provide opportunities for children to make their thinking visible, and then foster further learning and engagement. (p 67)

Early Learning Environment