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TOPIC 1 CREATING QUALITY EARLY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 
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1.3.2 The Social Environment
The social environment consists of physical surroundings in which children of all cultures and backgrounds function and interact with peers. This environment should make children feel that they are valued. The surroundings should appeal to the diversity of each child and respect childrenÊs culture. The availability of learning resources provides children with opportunities to explore. ChildrenÊs dramatic play materials such as dolls, dress up clothing and face masks allow children to have fun with their peers, thus encouraging empathy and creativity among them. These materials also allow children to have fun pretending to be someone or something else through symbolic or fantasy play.
Strong support and positive relationships create a strong learning experience. Adults must connect children with others because this is very crucial in creating a meaningful early learning environment. By being fully involved with them, adults will be able to convey the message that they value them. Through two- way communication, they learn how to build respectful relationships. Positive relationships between children and adults can develop through:
(a) One-on-one interactions;
(b) Pleasant and simple language;
(c) Warm and responsive physical contact;
(d) Interactive engagements;
(e) Collaboration between children and adults; and
(f) Challenging activities.
1.4 SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT
The primary purpose of safety and security in early childhood settings is to protect children from harm and risk of injuries. Children who have secure relationships perform better in academic pursuits. For children to feel secure and safe is important as it creates trust in them. Creating a secure environment takes careful effort and is critically important for children to feel comfortable to focus on learning.
1.4.1 The Importance of Safe and Secure Environment
First and foremost, children need to feel safe and secure in the environment in which they grow, or they may develop patterns of negative behaviour that
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