The Third Teacher: Are you Leveraging your Learning Environment in an ECE Setting?
- Elin Pettersson
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 1
The Power of the ECE Learning Environment
I strongly believe that the learning environment plays a critical role in any educational setting. With over 15 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa New Zealand, I’ve had the privilege of working across a variety of centres, age groups, teams, and settings. Each environment brought its own unique challenges, joys, and personalities. However, one consistent theme has emerged: when the learning environment is not given the time, care, and attention it deserves, the children in that space cannot flourish to their full potential.
Core Components
To truly create a nurturing space for our tamariki, we must first consider several essential aspects of the ECE learning environment. These include the emotional, visual, auditory, physical, and resource-based elements of the space. Let’s dive into each of these.
1. The Emotional Environment
The emotional environment forms the foundation of any effective learning space. It’s crucial that ECE teams reflect on these questions to ensure the emotional needs of children are met:
Do the tamariki feel safe and secure in this space?
Are they nurtured and supported throughout the day?
Is each child seen, heard, and valued?
Are there opportunities for meaningful conversations with peers and kaiako?
Is the environment conducive to open questioning and exploration without fear of judgment?
Are the children exposed to positive and enriching adult conversations?
When children feel emotionally supported, they are more likely to thrive and engage in their learning experiences.
2. The Visual and Auditory Environment
The visual and auditory elements of the learning environment offer insight into the opportunities for learning, interaction, and concentration. Consider this: In an environment with loud music, active screens, and walls plastered with an overwhelming amount of documentation, it’s easy to feel overstimulated and distracted.
Children, with their heightened senses, may struggle to communicate their discomfort with overstimulation. Instead, they might express this through crying, acting out, or zoning out. A carefully curated environment that minimizes visual clutter, promotes peaceful sounds, and encourages gentle conversation can foster a space where relationships, positive interactions, and focused learning are at the forefront.
3. The Physical Environment
The physical environment is just as important as the teacher in creating an inspiring and engaging learning space. A calm and peaceful atmosphere enhances concentration, creativity, and connection. When reviewing your learning environment, always consider it from a child’s perspective—get down to their level and take note of what they see, hear, and experience.
To gain authentic insights into how the space feels, spend a few minutes on the child's level in the classroom during its busiest moments. This can offer valuable information on how the space functions throughout the day.
One key consideration is the layout and furniture choices. Intimate spaces, created through thoughtful placement of furniture, allow for small group learning or quiet individual time. For instance, does your space include a cosy corner with cushions or a soft couch for storytime? Are there blankets, rugs, and photo frames that create a homelike atmosphere? These details help children feel comfortable and secure, mirroring the warmth and intimacy of home.
Balancing peaceful, homelike environments with space for physical and risky play is a challenge. However, continuous reflection on how the environment supports children's needs is vital to ensure it remains adaptable and responsive.
4. The Role of Resources
A well-equipped learning environment can enhance areas such as literacy, numeracy, and creativity. To create a homelike feel, think about how reading and writing appear in your own home and bring those elements into the classroom. Consider including a variety of reading materials: books, cookbooks, instruction manuals, and child-friendly magazines. Everyday items like shopping lists, journals, and greeting cards are also valuable learning tools.
Additionally, incorporating Loose Parts—open-ended materials such as pine cones, sticks, buttons, and ribbons—can significantly benefit children’s learning, particularly in mathematics. These materials can be used in countless ways, encouraging imagination, exploration, and creativity, which in turn supports the development of critical thinking skills.
5. Reflecting on the Environment
A carefully considered learning environment not only supports children’s academic growth but also their social and emotional well-being. It sends a powerful message that their learning is valued, that they belong, and that their unique ways of exploring the world are important.
In summary, the learning environment is more than just a physical space; it’s a tool for fostering collaboration, reflection, positive behavior, and teamwork. By continuously reflecting on and nurturing this environment, we give children the best possible opportunity to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Creating an intentional and thoughtful learning environment is an ongoing process, and its impact cannot be overstated. When children feel emotionally secure, physically comfortable, and surrounded by meaningful resources, they are empowered to explore, collaborate, and learn in the most authentic way possible. As educators, it is our responsibility to make the most of this powerful tool.
This blog was written by Elin Pettersson
ECE Consultant
I have 15 years experience in the Early Childhood Education sector and I work across a range of educational settings. I have passion for supporting leaders and Kaiako on their learning journeys.I have a broad range of experience in developing curriculum, policies and procedures with the ability to implement these collaboratively. I believe that bringing kaiako together and supporting practice growth is what brings me the most joy.
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