The Setting

Where Creative Minds Think Alike

Brenda @ The Write Space:  I just spent 2 hrs in a marquee in the rain at the seaside teaching Creative Writing.

Me:  That sounds like a bittersweet experience! Proof, though, that learning is not confined to a classroom!

The Environmental Factor

In a well-written story, the plot cannot take place anywhere else: the location directly impacts the outcome of the story.  In the same context is the relationship between a child's learning environment and their education.  

Set the Scene

• Incorporate the Senses: Why not apply the logic that smells, sounds, tastes and textures can submit experiences to the long-term memory (mastery!)?
• Create themed snacks, meals, edible projects and experiments.
• Utilize candles, air fresheners, incense, flowers, potpourri, herbs, etc. for a pleasant aroma.
• Connect visuals and other activities (learning centers, sensory bins, etc.) to your lessons, rotate them often, and make them interactive.

• Think outside the walls:  

• Field trips, parks, outdoor exploration, nature study 
• Make it mover-friendly.
• Backyard learning spaces

• Regulate the Climate:  Concepts are more readily retained by association with joyful and interesting experiences.

• Associate positives with problems.  For example, if a child becomes tense over math, try playing their favorite music softly in the background, or moving study time to a favorite spot. 
• Attitudes, and smiles, are contagious.
• Try "Expectations" instead of a long list of Class Rules.
• Use delayed consequences instead of immediate punishments to defer emotions outside the study time.
• Give them choices. Even small ones help the stubborn child feel more in control of the situation.
• Playing is learning. When they are happily playing, leave them be.

Class Discussion

Share pictures of your favorite learning spaces!

Questions? Ask away!

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

How Do I Teach … 5 Day Blog Series is brought to you by the following blogs:

Enchanted Homeschooling Mom ~ Homeschool Gameschool ~ Are We There Yet? ~ Life with Moore Babies ~ No Doubt Learning ~ Mrs. Redd’s Classroom Blog ~ Proverbial Homemaker ~ My Joy Filled Life ~ Preschool Powol Packets ~ Adventures in Mommydom ~ Vicki Arnold ~ Only Passionate Curiosity ~ Living Life and Learning ~ Farm Fresh Adventures ~ 3 Dinosaurs