How can the environment stimulate my personal development and how does it encourage me to interact with others?
Why is the environment important for children's learning? How can we make the environment attractive and stimulating for students?
General topic of interest
Throughout this research, we have focused on expanding our students' repertoire by providing them a vast amount of learning experiences. Children need to play and discover the world for themselves, so they can be able to reach their own discoveries and inventions. When we create an inviting environment, children can be able to explore and increase their perception of the world. When inserted in contexts rich in stimulation and incentive, students are encouraged to use their senses and different parts of their bodies to perceive their sensations while using their emotions to recognize themselves as active citizens with individual needs that must be respected.
Participants
Flavia Dias
Ariane Mantovani
Érica Pedroso.
Data collecting approach
Throughout our research, we had tuns of experiences with our students, so we could colect and gather data. First of all, we had to consider the competencies and skills that we intended to focus with each student. Then, we organized the spaces, where we made available different types of materials and objects. The materials needed to be attractive and pleasing to their eyes and touch, so they would freely explore and investigate all the elements exposed in that space. When we are preparin an activity we also consider the age and stage of development of the child. While, they were exploring the area, the educators take notes, record and observe all their preferences and dislikes.
Data collecting example
This research was based on data collected at different moments in our routine, such as: painting, movement, exploration and music activities. The datas were collected through observation, photos and videos. We would like to invite you to acess our website: CLICK HERE
Emerging results
Throughout all the moments that were offered, our students were able to trace individual, and collective paths, so they could experience new sensations and expand their knowledge about the world: During their individual path, they have shown concentration, interest in different colors and textures, and they also experimented with a variety of temperatures, by exploring their own bodies and using their senses as learning tools. In their collective path, their interest was focused on body and movement, and interaction with others, as they exchanged material among themselves and made discoveries as a group.
Reflections
When we create a provocative environment for the student, he has more opportunities to learn and play different roles. When we have set different learning centers we could see how enthusisastic our students were. They started to handle all the tools by themselves and to manipulate different materials.
Next steps
The environment offered and all the proposed activities will be guided and designed according to the evolution and needs of the students. The students' individual development and collective achievements will conduct all the next steps.
