The Learning Environment

As Early Childhood Professionals it is our responsibility to build and provide a learning center that encourages a child to learn to her fullest. Also in addition to providing a learning center we also have to recognize the learning abilities of children as well as the learning disabilities that a child may have. We must also recognize a child in need because we are there to be the child's advocate and provide support to the parents should they need it.

In the ideal learning environment we will find many things such as, books, toys, learning materials, games, etc. As a Childhood Professional we must provide objects and materials for children that are age appropriate. Toddlers should have toys that don't have small parts that can easily fall off and that can handle the vigor's of child use, while older children can have toys that are a bit more advanced than the toddler toys to encourage learning. We need to be careful that toys aren't too complicated for the children because although toys are meant for fun they also should be used for learning and a toy that is too complicated can cause confusion and frustration for the child. Books for toddlers should be board or cloth books with pictures that aren't too complicated; preferably the books should have large shapes and bold colors. Books for older children should have simple words and phrases to help foster reading comprehension and language skills. Any games or activities in the classroom should help a child learn how to act social, enhance language skills, as well as help with their development.

All materials that the children have in the learning center must be safe. Toys need to be checked constantly to make sure they're in good condition and clean. We must pay attention to recalls so that dangerous toys aren't kept in the classroom. The furniture in the classroom also has to be safe, sturdy and clean. We must be attentive to the furniture because not only might it hurt a child but also furniture in good condition shows the children and parents that you care about them and shows that they are safe in your center. This also applies to books, toys, games, blankets, etc. In addition to creating a feeling of welcome, clean toys and furniture will help keep children healthy which will encourage better learning because they'll be able to be in class more often than at home sick.

When a child misbehaves we must act appropriately. As Early Childhood Professionals we need to recognize where a child is developmentally and use discipline that will work for that child. We have to remember that what may work for one child, might not work for another. If a toddler bites another child after a fight over a toy we should pull the child to the side, removing them from the situation, and sit them down for a time out. The time out won't be long, perhaps a minute or so, but after the time out we have to get to eye level and make sure the child understands that biting is not the way to deal with frustrations. We can also suggest alternative ways to express her frustration over not having the toy and offer alternative toys to have in its place. Even though we may do all of this we have to remember though that she is a toddler and most likely will misbehave again and we will have to once again enforce the discipline because that is key to teaching a child to behave properly. If we are not consistent in our discipline a child can become confused and frustrated about knowing what is appropriate and what isn't, which can lead to more bad behavior.

If a four year old hits a fellow classmate because of a toy dispute the discipline will be similar but a bit more complex than in regards to a toddler. The child would have to be put in time out, typically one minute for each year old they are, and after time out we have to explain why they are in time out and show them what to do as an alternative to hitting. Also the child should be asked to apologize to the other child he hit. I also recommend not allowing the child to play with the disputed toy for the rest of the day to reinforce the point that you don't hit when angry.

To help children with their cognitive and language growth games and activities are a key component. For infants games such as peek-a-boo and patty cake help a child learn coordination as well as language skills. Other activities such as building blocks, flash cards, and puzzles can help with both language and hand-eye coordination. Flash cards are especially good for fostering language development. Flash cards also extend past infancy which helps foster reading as well as language development.

Older children can participate in role-playing and show and tell to help learn to read as well as expand their language skills. Reader's Theatre is a perfect example of an activity, which not only fosters language development but also fosters reading comprehension. Children take a book and write their own script based on the book, memorize it and then act it out. Role-playing also helps children look roles of society. They can act out traditional roles of mother and father and even explore roles unfamiliar to them in an effort to understand. This can teach understanding and empathy to the child, which will be valuable life long. Role-playing also helps a child learn to do things on its own. For instance-playing dress up can help a child learn to dress themselves and tie their shoes. Children can also pretend to cook and learn to better feed themselves and learn the proper usage of a fork and spoon. Pretend play can also help a child learn to use the toilet by pretending that things in the toilet need to be destroyed or hit.

Books are especially important all through a child's life. Infant books help a child learn words and shapes as well as to learn hand eye coordination. Toddler books help a child learn the names of objects as well as identify objects when asked. When reading to a toddler you can ask them to point to the object and then ask them to repeat back to you the name of the object. This will help them learn to identify the object as well as learn to speak the name of the object. Preschool books help a child learn to read and write as well as learn to speak better.

Overall the ideal learning center will have activities appropriate to the ages of the children in the class. The environment will be safe and clean and will provide a lot of opportunity to learn. Children will feel welcome and happy to come to the center and parents will be comfortable with leaving their child at the center.