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24  TOPIC 2 DIMENSIONS OF YOUNG CHILDREN’S SETTING (viii) Child or adult cosy furniture such as couches; and
(ix) Animals that can be held such as cats and hamsters.
(c) Competence
Children are able to take risks and do something out of an adultÊs imagination. During their development, children continue to enhance skills and develop knowledge through their emerging experiences. Thus, creating an environment that values childrenÊs competence and capabilities is significant in an early childhood learning setting. Children require a place where their potential can be enhanced. These places allow them to make full use of their body and muscles to achieve their goals.
2.2.1 Simple to Complex Materials
Children have different abilities to reinforce their skills through using materials. Developmentally appropriate learning materials must be introduced in incremental steps from simple to complex and super complex. However, we have to select appropriate materials for use in early childhood setting. Observing childrenÊs play will help us to determine which material is appropriate for the childÊs ability. Children will gain more learning experience through complex and challenging materials.
ACTIVITY 2.1
Conduct a study of early childhood programmes such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia and High Scope. Based on your study, you are required to discuss and compare the concepts of (1) comfort, (2) softness and (3) competence as dimensions of these programmes.
PLANNING FOR A HEALTHY AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Research has shown that healthy and safe environments contribute to childrenÊs overall health and well-being. A healthy and safe environment supports children's interaction with space, materials and people. It also supports childrenÊs physical and mental health. When the environment is designed to be healthy and safe, children will feel welcomed to explore and learn.
2.3
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