Category: Learning Environment

• 3 Ways to Incorporate Loud and Active Play in Daily Routines

  

  Crash…Bang…Giggle…Boom! The early years are a time when children are learning about the world around them through experiences. By providing opportunities throughout the day for children to engage in loud, active, energizing play, we are supporting brain connections and developmental skills. So, how do teachers bring loud and active play into the daily routines of…

• Bring on the Noise, Bring on the Fun: Supporting Loud and Active Play Throughout the Day

  

  What exactly do we mean when we talk about loud and active play at daycare and preschool? How do you encourage children to get up and get moving throughout the day? How do you know if you provide enough of the “right” kind of opportunities to help kids get moving? Read ideas for supporting loud and…

• Connecting Themes and Curriculum to Outdoor Learning

  

  When you think about outside time with your preschool, most teachers think… Finally, they get some energy out. But have you ever thought of how you can connect outside play with the theme and learning that goes on in your classroom? Have you thought about how outdoor learning can provide you with so many opportunities…

• Making the Most of Outdoor Time

  

  It’s time for your class to travel outside. Depending on your program requirements this can be 30 minutes to 60 minutes or more. So now what? You can maximize outdoor play by moving learning centers outdoors, opening new possibilities for stimulating children’s creativity, self-discovery, and imagination. Providing the same engagement outside as inside allows your…

• Rumblin’ Tumblin’ Fun: Loud and Active Learning Centers

  

  Do you feel like your classroom is a WWE arena? Experiencing some challenging behaviors or struggling to set up the classroom to balance both active and quiet spaces?  You’ve come to the right place! Let’s talk about Loud and Active Learning Centers. Just like you, children need opportunities to stretch, move and experience their muscles…

• Creating an Amazing Outdoor Play Area

  

  The benefits of outdoor play are so great for young children. Outdoor play areas are a place where children can release energy, use loud voices, play vigorously, and engage in messy projects. Outdoor play allows children to explore and learn about the local environment.  Research continues to explore the importance of outdoor play (Children and…

• 4 Quiet and Calm Learning Centers

  

  The physical layout of the classroom is a direct reflection of the teacher’s planning and student learning. It should be organized, well laid out, comfortable, and offer a variety of developmentally appropriate tools for the students. When this is in place, the children will benefit in their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Create zones in your…

• 3 Tips for Reducing Noise Overload in the Classroom

  

  The Auditory Environment A group of young children will naturally be loud as they interact, play and explore their environment. Too much auditory stimulation leads to sensory overload, which occurs when sensory information overwhelms the brain and nervous system. In this type of environment, children often melt down as their nervous systems are less able…

• Create a Positive Environment for Learning

  

  Early childhood teachers are overwhelmed with the responsibilities and stresses of the day, but our interaction with children matters. They must be positive and sincere. Even our facial expressions, tone of voice and body language communicate what we feel. Teaching social and emotional skills is one of our biggest responsibilities. Interacting positively with children at…

• Set Up a Calming Corner

  

  Children often need a soft, quiet, protected place where they can relax and have some space away from loud or busy areas in the classroom. Teaching children to soothe themselves by going to a ‘cozy area’ can help them feel comforted and better able to cope. They may benefit from a ‘cozy area’ to be…