The Importance of Early Learning and the Environment

One of Carisbrooke's school plan goals is to spotlight Early Learning. Carisbrooke staff chose this goal because early learning experiences establish the foundation for all learning, K –12.  This is especially true for literacy. Educators know that if a student is not reading fluently by the end of grade 3, they will find the rest of their school journey challenging.  At Carisbrooke, primary teachers, learning service teachers, and education assistants have looked closely at early literacy in the last three years. We have studied brain research, purchased new literacy resources, attended reading workshops, read BC's Early Learning Framework, and, as a team, worked together to create the best instructional practices and services for our students as possible.  

Knowing how critical the early years, birth to age 8, are for growth and development, we then asked what more can we do for our early learners?  We asked “How important is the classroom environment and, what would we see in an ideal early learning space?  Kindergarten staff visited early learning spaces at Queensbury Elementary school and Capilano University Children's Centre, both with outstanding learning spaces for young children. We saw how children's learning experiences are shaped by their relationships with space and materials. We saw that a room that is calm, clutter-free, and adorned with natural materials has a positive impact on the imagination, creativity, and well-being of children – and teachers too.  “The importance of the early care and learning environment- sometimes referred to as the 'third teacher' cannot be underestimated in shaping the experiences of children and adults. (British Columbia Early Learning Framework, 2019, p. 22)​

With proceeds from a NVSD Collegial Inquiry Grant and monies from the CPAC, we  looked very closely at everything in our kindergarten rooms: lighting, furniture, space, carpet, clutter, wall colours, materials, objects, and toys. We began a total overhaul in one of the kindergarten classrooms. We decluttered the room, removed plastic toys and chairs, and painted neutral colours on the walls.  We bought soft cloud lights and sky-blue silks wafting from the ceiling.  We purchased objects and materials that children can experiment with and investigate in ways that are meaningful to them. We purchased toys that invite creativity such as coloured silks and storyboard materials. Our goal was a clean, simple space that invite children to fully explore, create, and play without distraction.  The difference is profound. For students, the wooden play arches become a store front, a forest, and a castle entrance to visit the Queen.  The benches  become logs at a campfire,  a stage for puppets, or a spot for three friends to work together side by side. 

Environments are integral to well-being and learning. Children learn in relationships with the people around them but are also profoundly affected by their relationship with spaces and materials. The objects and materials in a child's learning space truly makes a difference.  We hope that every child who begins their education journey at Carisbrooke will benefit from a beautiful early learning environment.

For more information on BC's Early Learning Framework click here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/early-learning/teach/earlylearning/early_learning_framework.pdf