s or activities, but through a responsive, inquisitive attitude. When we provide plenty of time for open-ended, constructive play every day, we create opportunities for children to explore the joy of learning. At the same time, we can extend children's learning experiences by engaging children in meaningful conversations about their activities. With great open-ended questions and discussions, we can invite children to develop their own ideas and construct their own learning by expanding, clarifying, and developing their thinking. It's important to note that it is not just children's engagement in activities that is important. It is our skillful and conscious interactions with children that constructs knowledge and builds a love of learning.
It's Up to You!
You are the important ingredient in teaching a child to love learning. In fact, you are the cornerstone of the classroom environment. No matter if you are in a tiny basement classroom or a huge sunny space, it is your interactions with children that turn any place into a loving, learning lab. As you well know, there are times to observe children, times to encourage them, times to interact with them, and times to model learning. Like the pure act of discovery, your role is always changing.
As observer, you listen and watch. The perceptive teacher is aware of children's interactions with one another and with materials. She uses this information to incorporate children's interests into the daily program. By respecting children's processes, the teacher fosters a sense of independence in children that builds confidence and skills.
As a supporter, you encourage and accept The compassionate teacher inspires a classroom tone that welcomes children's original ideas, accepts all contributions equally, and at the same time is sensitive to individual abilities. In this safe and secure atmosphere, children can feel free to express their ideas without fear of being wrong, or of not being taken seriously. The teacher uses praise to build on children's strengths and abilities so that all children see themselves as successful learners.
As a facilitator, you inspire and assist. The aware teacher knows when to ask an open-ended question or add a new material to inspire children to move to higher levels of thinking and problem solving. The teacher invites children to think creatively, fluently, and critically with question starters such as: "How many ways can you...?" or "What will happen if...?"
As a model, you demonstrate and surprise. The inspired teacher registers delightful surprise in learning from the simplest events and the smallest mistakes. The excitement a teacher shows when she finds a beautiful bug on the playground, or discovers how to balance a block, demonstrates the joy of discovering and learning. In addition, a willingness to show children that a teacher can make mistakes-then can ask the class for help in solving the resulting problem-can make children feel helpful and important. At the same time, they learn that making an error is not a "bad thing" and is an important part of the learning process.
Arranging Your "I Love Learning" Classroom
"Create learning centers that foster independence, yet encourage respect for materials and space. Keep materials interesting, with clearly marked containers for children to return those materials at cleanup time."
The way you arrange your setting has a strong effect on how strongly children fall in love with learning and life. If you strictly control how children use space and spend time, you limit their chances to make decisions and experiment with materials and ideas. But, at the same time, you want children to have a clear understanding of your expectations for using materials and space. To create this delicate balance, keep the following in mind:
Foster a sense of identity and independence
- Set up the physical environment so that it fosters independence and identity with picture/word cues and signs, and name/symbol labels on personalized spaces for children, such as cubbies, sign-in boards, and center markers.
- Place clear con