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TOPIC 2 DIMENSIONS OF YOUNG CHILDREN’S SETTING 
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belong. They need to be close to people they know, have friends and have comfortable materials. In order to build a sense of belonging, children need to develop skills to work and cooperate with others. They have to learn a sense of empathy and be a member of a team. However, children come from different families and backgrounds. When they enter a new environment, they have to leave the familiarity of their home culture. Thus, it is important for adults or caregivers to foster a sense of belonging and help children feel like they belong in a new environment. They need to feel special, wanted and welcome. Responsive relationship with adults makes children feel trusted and safe.
(e) Sense of Value
Young children need to feel important. They need to feel that what they do is meaningful to their friends or people close to them. Display childrenÊs work to let them know that their efforts are valued and accepted. Children also feel valued if they are treated with respect. Adults should address every child by their name and use positive verbal communication to communicate with children.
(f) Privacy and Social Space
Young children need more than just physical care. The early childhood setting is a place where they can learn in their own way, mingle around and share their social experiences with their peers. The design setting of this place must foster childrenÊs social skills and relationship with other children or adults. They also need a place where they can develop their potential and talent. However children also need a quiet and private place away from the hustle and bustle of their surroundings. Thus, early childhood setting should also provide a balance of small and large open areas where children can play and explore. Small areas provide opportunities for children to be alone or to be in small groups. Children sometimes need private areas (see Figure 2.1) to do things that require seclusion such as reading books and stacking blocks. The open areas allow them to be actively involved with large numbers of peers. This allows children to interact and socialise with others in the group. Both areas should be safe and free from obstacles.
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