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10  TOPIC 1 CREATING QUALITY EARLY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 1.3 ENVIRONMENT THAT MEETS YOUNG
CHILDREN’S NEEDS
As we have discussed, the environment plays an important role in childrenÊs development and learning. An effective environment also determines what and how children learn and play. Like adults, children have needs and interests. Thus, some critical aspects of early childhood setting design should be considered to meet individual needs of each child. Although it is challenge for adults, the best early childhood setting environment not only supports children to develop, but they also ensure that all children learn at their own pace and ability. Thus, the following conditions will be able to provide best practice for quality environments that meet every childÊs needs.
1.3.1 The Physical Environment
If we want young children to be successful, a good physical environment that supports the childrenÊs development and learning is essential. An environment that supports their learning is dependent on arrangement of equipment and materials that gain and sustain childrenÊs interest and imagination. Therefore, early childhood setting should be arranged and organised accordingly to promote active learning and interaction among the children. Work and play areas must have a variety of learning materials to encourage group activities and creative projects. Also, these areas should be comfortable for group and individual activities. Learning materials, toys or books should be placed in areas that are easily assessed by the children. For this purpose, adults can allow the children to store all the materials themselves in low open shelves.
Materials in the physical environment should be attractive, have strong sensory appeal and be inviting for young children in a manner which they can imagine and create their own ideas. Thus, learning materials in developmentally appropriate early childhood setting environment must have the following criteria:
(a) Developmentally appropriate for young children and match their abilities, need and interest;
(b) Open-ended, offer flexibility and variety for different ages and abilities of the children;
(c) Culturally appropriate and reflect the childrenÊs family background and community; and
(d) Safe, durable, non-toxic, well designed and always in good condition.
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