Benefits of using the local environment - Early Education (2024)

FAQs

Benefits of using the local environment - Early Education? ›

Using the local environment enables children to develop a sense of belonging to the local community. It helps them to develop a sense of place which in turn will develop their feelings of security, and “strong bonds to a particular place endure” (Hay, 1998 in Jack, 2010).

Research tells us preschool-age children learn best in environments where they can have secure relationships with caring and responsive adults, where they feel safe, and where they feel free to explore and learn.

Environments should be welcoming and interesting. Unfamiliar surroundings and people can provoke a stress response, which has the potential to be damaging to a child's learning abilities. Having homey features in a classroom environment helps children feel more comfortable and can help their ability to learn.

Allowing children to participate in environmentally relevant experiences help them understand how to take care of the Earth. It is also a great way to instill character traits like kindness and love for our planet.

Positive, nurturing relationships are important for kids, too. Connecting with their community gives them a sense of belonging, boosts their confidence and helps to develop their social skills.

The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development and learning. Enabling environments encourage babies and young children to play because they feel relaxed, comfortable and 'at home' in them.

The environment plays a critical role in sustainable development. It is the foundation upon which all economic and social development is built. A healthy environment provides the resources necessary for human life and well-being, such as clean air and water, fertile soil, and a stable climate.

A positive and purposeful learning environment can boost enjoyment and engagement. It can also help to enrich teaching and learning and improve academic performance. Therefore, it's essential that schools strive to ensure that they are providing their students with the best possible learning environment.

Environmental education is a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the environment. As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions.

“The way the physical environment is designed and configured influences how children feel, act, and behave. The physical classroom environment allows growth and development through activities and materials in defined play areas.

Why is it important to teach children about the natural environment? ›

Teaching our kids about the environment can help them develop sustainable habits that are likely to stick with them as they grow up. Even small actions have large impacts over time. Some simple sustainable habits can be performed at any age: Recycling.

EE helps students understand how their decisions and actions affect the environment, builds knowledge and skills necessary to address complex environmental issues, as well as ways we can take action to keep our environment healthy and sustainable for the future.

In addition, services in natural environments: Promote a child's development, learning and participation in family and community life. Expand a child's opportunities to experience and practice new skills. Encourage interaction and inclusion with others.

Community plays a crucial role in early childhood education. It involves the connections between children, families, care providers, and local organisations. A strong community provides a supportive and inclusive environment that helps children grow their social-emotional skills and feel a sense of belonging.

Each member of the community is valued by the others and is recognized for the strengths they bring. By observing and participating in the community, children learn about themselves, their world, and how to develop positive, constructive relationships with other people.

Benefits of Community Development on an Economy

Improve the quality of life in a community. Provide essential services to a community. Promote social inclusion and reduce inequality. Help to strengthen the local economy, allowing local businesses to thrive.

A learning environment that is positive can lead to greater student achievement. It creates students who are comfortable, confident, who make friends easily, take risks, and aren't afraid to make mistakes. It can also help students to feel more comfortable with their teacher.

The physical environment is the space and location in which the child grows, affecting their health, learning, and behavior. In addition, research shows that effects of the physical environment, such as housing, exposure to pollution, and neighborhood quality, all affect the psychosocial aspect of the child.

There is a distinct sense of peace and harmony in the prepared environment. Students move carefully, define their work space, and respect each others work. The children instinctively work together to create a harmonious classroom community that is essential to learning, concentration, and exploration.

A safe classroom environment aims to make children feel protected and valued. It promotes trust between children and educators, allows children to ask questions and take risks, supports children's safety and learning, and celebrates children's self-expression, diversity, and achievements.