The physical environment plays an essential role in a child’s learning experience. As Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, stated, "A child’s environment plays a critical role in their development. The early learning environment is like a second teacher." Malaguzzi believed that the classroom should be designed to encourage exploration and discovery, actively participating in the child's learning process.
From a Biblical perspective, God is concerned with the creation of a hospitable environment for children, as we see from the Genesis creation narrative. God creates a place for his children - mankind - to thrive, and mandates that they create a similarly hospitable environment for their children as well (Gen. 1:28). While parents are the primary caretakers and creators of a young child’s environment, the early childhood classroom setting provides an additional opportunity for children to experience a hospitable, Biblical world.
The Academy for G.O.D. Preschool recognizes the importance of thoughtfully organizing the classroom environment. By creating effective learning centers and including developmentally appropriate equipment, we support key developmental areas in early childhood, such as physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.
This approach is exemplified in the organization of the Preschool’s Toddler class. The large gross motor center, affectionately known as “The Playroom” by its teachers, offers a fun and safe space for toddlers to build strength, coordination, and endurance. It includes climbing, crawling, balance, and tunnel equipment. These provide children with an opportunity to develop gross motor skills, which are integral to children’s holistic growth. Large soft blocks provide safe materials for exercising the building and throwing play schemas.
Our reading center is a key part of our classroom, and the center of many student and teacher led activities. It also helps children grow in many ways—physically, cognitively, emotionally, and linguistically. This cozy area encourages kids to explore books and stories, which supports their overall development. Books displayed at eye-level encourage children to interact with print material, and we ensure these books include developmentally appropriate pictures and words. Even though reading is not a concern for toddlers, print exposure and receiving daily reading times builds early literacy skills.
Our classroom considers our students’ sensory needs in several ways. Not only do we have centers for hands-on fine and gross motor sensory interactions, but the cohesive, calming colors used in both equipment and decor help children feel at home in their classroom environment.
Our home living center includes building blocks for the start of pretend play: common kitchen items, stoves, babydolls, and a playhouse. These mimic the home environment, helping children connect socially around home scenarios. We also have a large mirror in our home center, which is very important for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years. At this age, children start to understand who they are. Seeing their reflection in the mirror helps them recognize themselves and build a sense of identity. This simple tool plays a big role in their growth and helps them learn more about themselves.
These elements, with many more activities that include music, art, and science, are all part of our commitment to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports every aspect of your child’s growth. Our Toddler room is an environment created for early childhood development, but it is just the beginning of the benefits Preschool offers students.
Comments