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The Best Learning Environments

When thinking about the best possible learning environment for your child, what matters most? The upcoming suggestions are broad-based, so consider them in relation to your own home dynamic.

Let’s start by looking at this image of a bald eagle and a juvenile, photographed by my friend and neighbor, nature photographer Garnet Rich. The picture is reflective of a very different environment than your home, but nevertheless, it’s about nurturing. The parent is teaching the child to go out on a limb and learn to soar.

We can only guess what’s being communicated.

Every learning environment has its own unique features, whether it’s a forest, beach, backyard, park, concert venue, ice rink, or elsewhere. Keep in mind that when nurturing a child’s learning, what applies to one individual may not be quite right for another. Recognize your family’s priorities and opportunities!

FEATURES OF A NURTURING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

“He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Safety

A safe environment is properly supervised and respectful of children’s needs to feel secure. They should be able to express fears, worries, or uncertainties and ask for help. Ideas are welcome, and kids know they can speak up if they feel sad, angry, frightened, stressed—or silly. (Learning and creativity can emerge from silliness, too!)

Appropriate Challenge

An appropriately challenging environment is flexibly responsive to children’s developmental levels and features the following:

~ Fair and realistic expectations—manageable and attainable in a timely manner

~ Suitable tasks—aligned with a child’s levels of readiness in different areas

~ Opportunities to stretch—inviting creative expression, exploration, and inquiry

Healthy Balance

Factors to consider for life balance include proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate rest. Play is also important for children’s well-being. Kids don’t learn as effectively if they’re hungry, unfit, tired, or lack social interaction.

Diversity

A diverse environment offers a range of possibilities for kids to make choices about what they need and want to learn and to engage in a variety of experiences. For example, enjoying nature and multisensory activities, reading, participating in sports (on land, in water, or on wheels), and being involved in music, drama, and the arts.

Dr. Joanne Foster

Dr. Joanne Foster, an acclaimed author and educator, has dedicated over 35 years to gifted education and child development. With expertise in psychology and special education, her work empowers parents and educators, fostering creativity and high-level learning in children and teens. Dr. Foster has written countless articles, and several books—the most recent being Ignite Your Ideas: Creativity for Kids.

Insightful Reads For You

Girls, Giftedness, and Smart Possibilities

Girls, Giftedness, and Smart Possibilities

Gifted/high-level development among girls is the focus of this piece. Dr. Joanne Foster discusses realities, and concerns—including “dumbing down.” She offers practical approaches to support students in maximizing their abilities, and provides several helpful resources.

Home-School-Community Partnerships

Home-School-Community Partnerships

Dr. Joanne Foster emphasizes the importance of collaborative home-school-community partnerships for effective learning. She discusses the roles of students, parents, teachers, and administrators in creating a cohesive educational environment that nurtures students’ growth and development.

Navigating Fresh Starts and Transitions

Navigating Fresh Starts and Transitions

As families navigate new seasons and ventures, they encounter hopes, challenges, and the need for balance. Dr. Joanne Foster discusses the importance of optimism and embracing change, helping kids transition with confidence and self-assurance.