Sample 2: Designing an effective learning environment for very young learners

Learning  Environments:        

Role  and  Elements    

Educators  in  the  field  of  Child  Development  recognize  several  pioneers    

of  learning  environments  design.  These  individuals  have  laid  a  strong    

founda&on  and  road  map  for  assis&ng  today’s  prac&&oners.  The    

research  on  environments  helps  us  to  understand  the  role  the    

environment  plays  in  child  learning  and  development.    

Freidrich  Froebel,  Maria  Montessori,  Caroline  PraK,  PaKy  Smith  Hill  and    

Rudolf  Steiner  are  among  the  pioneers  recognized  for  their    

contribu&ons.  Each  of  these  pioneers  had  their  own  dis&nct  philosophy.        

They  shared  a  belief  that  “hands-­‐on  learning  materials,  and  experiences    

were  op&mal  for  young  children”.  A  well  thought-­‐out  planning  process  is    

required  of  classroom  teachers.