"...the space has to be a sort of an aquarium that mirrors the ideas, values, attitudes, and cultures
of the people who live within it" (ETFO, 2010a, p. 9)
of the people who live within it" (ETFO, 2010a, p. 9)
The Classroom as the "Third Teacher"
The set-up of the physical and emotional classroom environment is critical to implementing inquiry-based learning, as the environment informs and shapes the kind of learning that will take place in the room (ETFO, 2010a, p. 9). In the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, they validate the importance of the enviroment by defining it as the "third teacher".
“A classroom that is functioning successfully as a third teacher will be responsive to the children’s interests, provide opportunities for children to make their thinking visible and then foster further learning and engagement." Susan Fraser (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2012, p. 1)
The following resources provide information on setting up an environment that invites inquiry and exploration.
“A classroom that is functioning successfully as a third teacher will be responsive to the children’s interests, provide opportunities for children to make their thinking visible and then foster further learning and engagement." Susan Fraser (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2012, p. 1)
The following resources provide information on setting up an environment that invites inquiry and exploration.
Setting Up Learning Centres for Independent Inquiry
Resource Type: Book Excerpt
Author: ETFO
Taken from ETFO's resource, "Primarily Play", this chapter outlines how specific learning centres can be set up to promote inquiry. Materials that invite exploration are listed for various centres (flashlights, plexiglass and workbenches in the building centre evoke curiosity and investigation). The importance of incorporating natural, open-ended materials is highlighted. The article also provides important considerations for educators when setting up an environment, such as the need for an abundance of materials to avoid issues with student sharing and classroom management.
Primarily Play - Setting Up Learning Centres for Independent Inquiry
Author: ETFO
Taken from ETFO's resource, "Primarily Play", this chapter outlines how specific learning centres can be set up to promote inquiry. Materials that invite exploration are listed for various centres (flashlights, plexiglass and workbenches in the building centre evoke curiosity and investigation). The importance of incorporating natural, open-ended materials is highlighted. The article also provides important considerations for educators when setting up an environment, such as the need for an abundance of materials to avoid issues with student sharing and classroom management.
Primarily Play - Setting Up Learning Centres for Independent Inquiry
Creating Peaceful Environmental Designs for the Classroom
Resource Type: Journal Article
Author: Amy Sussna Klein
In this article, the author argues the importance of environmental design as it 1) builds comfort for children and families 2) frees up teachers by minimizing management issues and 3) supports children in their quest to construct knowledge. Her arguments support the understanding that classrooms should provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment where furniture and materials are arranged to best facilitate learning (ETFO, 2010a, p. 4). The article also includes questions educators can ask themselves in order to create an environmentally pleasing classroom space.
Creating Peaceful Environmental Designs for the Classroom
Author: Amy Sussna Klein
In this article, the author argues the importance of environmental design as it 1) builds comfort for children and families 2) frees up teachers by minimizing management issues and 3) supports children in their quest to construct knowledge. Her arguments support the understanding that classrooms should provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment where furniture and materials are arranged to best facilitate learning (ETFO, 2010a, p. 4). The article also includes questions educators can ask themselves in order to create an environmentally pleasing classroom space.
Creating Peaceful Environmental Designs for the Classroom
Reggio Classroom Transformation
Resource Type: Blog
In this Reggio-inspired classroom from My Classroom Transformation, learning areas are well-defined and organized for easy access of materials. Organization is key, as children tend to feel more secure in an environment when there is a sense of order (ETFO, 2010a, p. 10).
On this site, before and after pictures document one teacher's evolution from a traditional classroom environment, to an environment that values simplicity, natural materials, light, organization and aesthetics.
Source: My Classroom Transformation
In this Reggio-inspired classroom from My Classroom Transformation, learning areas are well-defined and organized for easy access of materials. Organization is key, as children tend to feel more secure in an environment when there is a sense of order (ETFO, 2010a, p. 10).
On this site, before and after pictures document one teacher's evolution from a traditional classroom environment, to an environment that values simplicity, natural materials, light, organization and aesthetics.
Source: My Classroom Transformation
Inspiring Writing
Resource Type: Website
A well-stocked writing centre can inspire writing. It is beneficial for writing materials to be plentiful and available, as they can invite exploration and extend play.
This writing centre from Modern Parents Messy Kids demonstrates a well-organized centre that gives children access to a variety of materials, as well as the ability to choose what medium and materials best work for their needs. Children are more likely to visit an organized centre where they can locate the materials they need (ETFO, 2010a, p. 11)
Source: Modern Parents Messy Kids
A well-stocked writing centre can inspire writing. It is beneficial for writing materials to be plentiful and available, as they can invite exploration and extend play.
This writing centre from Modern Parents Messy Kids demonstrates a well-organized centre that gives children access to a variety of materials, as well as the ability to choose what medium and materials best work for their needs. Children are more likely to visit an organized centre where they can locate the materials they need (ETFO, 2010a, p. 11)
Source: Modern Parents Messy Kids
Creating Irresistible Outdoor Spaces
Resource Type: Website
Let the Children Play has a fantastic series about setting up natural outdoor spaces at your home or school. Utilizing natural materials is ideal, as children have more play possibilities with open-ended materials (ETFO, 2010a, p. 9). The series goes through the essential elements of outdoor areas that children are most drawn to, and discusses how to implement and introduce each aspect. Ideas for incorporating water, sand, greenery, animals, stones and "loose parts" are all included.
Source: Let the Children Play
Let the Children Play has a fantastic series about setting up natural outdoor spaces at your home or school. Utilizing natural materials is ideal, as children have more play possibilities with open-ended materials (ETFO, 2010a, p. 9). The series goes through the essential elements of outdoor areas that children are most drawn to, and discusses how to implement and introduce each aspect. Ideas for incorporating water, sand, greenery, animals, stones and "loose parts" are all included.
Source: Let the Children Play
Making Music Outside
Resource Type: Blog
Take the music outside! Music play with instruments allows children to explore with their senses, and the outdoors provides an ideal environment for creating a "soundscape". A simple fence can become a symphony with a little creativity and a few simple materials from around the house. Tales from the Sandpit made a music frame using recycled bits of steel and household utensils. Opportunities for inquiry abound, as students can experiment with different materials and sounds. By arranging familiar and concrete materials in a aesthetically pleasing way, children's interest and curiosity is evoked (ETFO, 2010a, p. 9).
Source: Tales from the Sandpit
Take the music outside! Music play with instruments allows children to explore with their senses, and the outdoors provides an ideal environment for creating a "soundscape". A simple fence can become a symphony with a little creativity and a few simple materials from around the house. Tales from the Sandpit made a music frame using recycled bits of steel and household utensils. Opportunities for inquiry abound, as students can experiment with different materials and sounds. By arranging familiar and concrete materials in a aesthetically pleasing way, children's interest and curiosity is evoked (ETFO, 2010a, p. 9).
Source: Tales from the Sandpit
A Recycling Paradise
Resource Type: Community Organization
"One man's garbage is another man's treasure"
The Creative Zone is community-based resource for educators teaching within the Region of Peel. It is a recycling paradise! Local companies and businesses donate their unwanted "treasures" to be re-purposed by creative students. Materials for art, building and exploration abound - fabrics, bottle caps, spools, film rolls and more can be found. It is an excellent resource for educators, as the materials are open-ended in nature, which allows students with a wide range of abilities and interests to access them (ETFO, 2010a, p. 4). All materials are also FREE which allows educators to rotate and refresh materials frequently in order to maintain children's interest and maximize learning (ETFO, 2010a, p. 14)
Source: Creative Zone, 933 Central Parkway West, door #8, Mississauga Ontario
"One man's garbage is another man's treasure"
The Creative Zone is community-based resource for educators teaching within the Region of Peel. It is a recycling paradise! Local companies and businesses donate their unwanted "treasures" to be re-purposed by creative students. Materials for art, building and exploration abound - fabrics, bottle caps, spools, film rolls and more can be found. It is an excellent resource for educators, as the materials are open-ended in nature, which allows students with a wide range of abilities and interests to access them (ETFO, 2010a, p. 4). All materials are also FREE which allows educators to rotate and refresh materials frequently in order to maintain children's interest and maximize learning (ETFO, 2010a, p. 14)
Source: Creative Zone, 933 Central Parkway West, door #8, Mississauga Ontario