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28  TOPIC 2 DIMENSIONS OF YOUNG CHILDREN’S SETTING
(a) Provide a variety of learning experiences;
(b) The arrangements of the learning or play corner enable children to do their best;
(c) Furnished with a variety of concrete materials to help children understand abstract concepts through concrete experiences;
(d) Provide children opportunities to be actively involved through hands-on activities; and
(e) Provide a print-rich environment to stimulate interest in language and literacy learning.
2.4.1 Indoor Environment
A good early childhood setting provides a variety of activities that will help children to grow in all developmental aspects. Below are some samples of learning corners that work best for children.
(a) Manipulative Corner
Such an area (see Figure 2.2) provides a lot of activities that allow children to use their manipulative skills. Manipulative toys help children to develop fine motor skills through the movement of their fine motor muscles. Materials such as blocks, dough, magnetic board and puzzles help children to improve their motor skills. These materials also help children to learn about the relationship between physical objects. It develops childrenÊs social skills when they learn to share their toys with others as they play in the learning corner. At this corner, children broaden their sensory experiences and develop their creativity as they use a variety of material to explore their senses.
Figure 2.2: Children playing at the manipulative corner Source: Morrison (2011)
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