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TOPIC 1 CREATING QUALITY EARLY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 
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will also help children to improve communication with adults and peers, enabling them to become a part of a community which, in turn, gives them a sense of belonging.
(c) Reflect clear goals
Good learning environment must reflect goal setting. Thus, before adults set up a meaningful learning environment, goal setting needs to be clearly specified. A meaningful environment that reflects learning goals will be able to help the process of achieving these goals. Adults must find ways not only to create challenging, meaningful environment, but also to create learning environment through which children can achieve learning goals set by adults. This can be done by encouraging children to make use of the environment and consider the options for achieving targeted goals.
(d) Protect childrenÊs health and safety
We often forget how much environment can affect a childÊs security, stability and behaviour. Children always depend on adults to keep them safe because they have a very little control over their environment. To them, the adult is the best person to provide them with a most nurturing and safe environment. They feel secure and protected in a safe, warm and supportive environment. Providing safe indoor and outdoor environment may prevent serious injuries. It also provides children a chance to move freely. Environment of early childhood setting must prevent or reduce injuries among children. Therefore, keeping children safe cannot be taken lightly.
(e) Provide access to developmentally appropriate materials and equipment Children become more active and independent when settings are arranged with choices of developmentally appropriate equipment and materials. The proper use of different types of materials can help children to explore as well as practise their skills and knowledge. Materials that are open-ended provide choices for children in decision-making. It promotes different ways of thinking in solving problems. Developmentally appropriate materials include blocks, puzzles, sand, water and puppets as good choices for children to practise their skills. More active spaces should be accommodated to enhance childrenÊs social and physical development.
ACTIVITY 1.1
LetÊs say you intend to set up a child-care centre sometime in the future. Your child-care programme emphasises the importance of elements in high quality environment. Describe the indicators of high quality environment that you may use to support your child-care programme.
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