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18  TOPIC 2 DIMENSIONS OF YOUNG CHILDREN’S SETTING
experiences. This environmental experience should convey a positive message to
children that the early childhood setting is a comfortable, safe and secure place.
What type of place makes children feel happy? What characteristics or dimensions of early childhood setting make a place enjoyable for children to grow and learn? When we set up an early childhood centre, it is important to take into account childrenÊs needs and interests. As a matter of fact, children will not learn anything if they do not enjoy or have a lack of interest and motivation to learn. They feel bored because they find that the learning environment is meaningless and not connected to their interests. Thus, this topic will discuss the dimensions of early childhood settings which include comfort, softness, competence, safety, and security. All these important aspects will be elaborated in this topic.
EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
An early childhood environment is not only the space for children to move and engage with activities, but also enhances childrenÊs development when it is designed according to their needs and interests. In a child-centred setting, an appropriate place should be provided to enhance childrenÊs participation in various activities. Research has shown that a smaller and more defined area encourages children to sustain for longer periods. However, we must identify how many children and how much materials can be placed in this space. This will help us to identify the amount of space required for the children to get them involved in activities. This area must have added features such as developmentally appropriate equipment like shelves and built-in storage units. It must have easily reachable units so young children can reach materials for daily use.
In a child-centred environment, children are encouraged to make their own choices and are given the opportunity to select their own activities. They are encouraged to choose from a range of developmentally appropriate materials. The teacherÊs role is to ensure that children do what they are capable of doing. However, what kind of environment can grab childrenÊs attention and help them to stay focused? How to provide a meaningful environment and connect it to childrenÊs interests and needs? These are the questions that early childhood educators or operators should ask before they actually start creating learning content. This topic will focus more on environmental setting. But before we go further, let us identify some important aspects needed in early childhood environmental settings.
2.1
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