Environment: The Third Teacher

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, great attention is given to the look and feel of the classroom. Environment is considered the "third teacher,” a key part of the learning process. In creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing classroom,  I draw inspiration from our classroom community, students’ interests, and nature - a classroom filled with natural, colorful, and useful materials – from many books, art materials to pine cones and seashells. Natural sunlight is incorporated as much as possible, as lighting plays a huge role in creating a cozy, and homelike atmosphere.

Nature Table: A Space for Inquiry, Science & Literacy 

The classroom environment is carefully prepared to create an atmosphere of inspiration for learning. The seasonal nature table gathers items that I have collected and the children are beginning to add their own collections from the natural world. We can create beautiful scenes and collect items from nature that reflect the rhythms of the season outside. 

Our nature table enables children to touch, look at closely, smell and listen to some of the things in our natural environment. It encourages an interest in, and respect for, the natural world. We can also use our nature table for storytelling, exploring themes like lifecycles and simply enjoying the beauty of the season. This small corner of our classroom has organically evolved into an area to share our thinking.

Documentation of children's work, plants, and collections that children make in the classroom may bring form home are displayed both at the children's and adult eye level.