Setting the Stage for Early Learning

“Each child has a song to sing
and a dance to dance.
Let's set the 'stage' and
give each child a chance.”

Environments for young children, in the home or ‘places’ in the community, need to provide physical and emotional safety. They need to be nurturing places. A warm trusting relationship, with at least one person who is caring for and educating the young child, is essential. This person must delight in, cherish and respect the child and his or her family. The child needs to be surrounded with positive energy. Those caring for the child need to be free from stress. The child will be advantaged if:

• he or she has routines and consistency which provide security and stability;
• the environment provides for opportunities for exploring, discovering and stimulation of all the senses including the sense of wonder - a rich tactile environment;
• the child has toys, equipment and art supplies which are available at his or her level this encourages independence;
• the child has a place to be creative, to be messy (homes need to include this place for the child, within the living area);
• a “dress up” box or drawer is very available to encourage pretend play (purchase at the thrift stores) - children love to dress up and dance, so include simple musical instruments;
• ;the child learns from experimenting with paints, water, earth, sand, baking, etc.,  he or she loves to mix things up;
• he or she has age-appropriate toys, equipment which challenges but doesn't frustrate;
• they are in a bright clean orderly place (children with F.A.S. will be more relaxed in clutter free environments - too many “toys” can be over whelming - rotate toys according to child’s interests;
• adults take the lead from the child from infancy onwards, responding  to the child's cues allows freedom of movement, increases space as the child develops;
• the child and adult have outdoor time each day because this offers so many learning opportunities, freedom of movement and a chance to learn about and appreciate nature;
• lots of books are available to the child on topics relevant to the child and the child’s culture; and,
• there are lots of smiles and encouragement, lots of colour, lots of language, through rhyme, song and talking with the child.

Mary Dolan is a retired early childhood educator, Champion for Children, mentor and Resident Elder of Cowichan Kids.

 Canadian Council on Learning - Early Childhood Learning