Did you know that your classroom is the third teacher? Your learning environment profoundly impacts skill-building, both socially and academically. Time is our greatest commodity. Therefore, as early childhood educators, we must make the most of our daily schedule (and our space) to increase children’s learning and impulse control.

The essential elements of learning involve intentional interactions that are developed through structure and a nurturing environment. If you want to improve either of these components in the classroom, but you don’t know where to begin, here are some great ways to get started.

• Build on interests – Children’s interests are aroused when new learning is relevant to their lives and integrated across activities and content areas.
• Respond to signals – Children’s feelings and attitudes are responded to throughout the day to build a sense of trust between the children and teacher and to increase connections as a school community.
• Secure the Environment – Children will try new experiences more readily when working in a structured and safe environment where they are allowed to explore freely.
• Support and Challenge – As children become more independent and self-regulating, the teacher changes interactions to scaffold students to a higher level of learning.

To receive training for Teachers on creating a classroom environment that supports effective learning, please give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.