Teaching Through the Classroom Environment

Anisha Grossett • April 29, 2025

“The environment is the third teacher.”

This phrase is one I’ve heard often throughout my career in early childhood education. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, it emphasizes the environment as an intentional and purposeful extension of learning. I’ve wholeheartedly embraced this philosophy in my own classrooms, recognizing that a well-designed environment is more than just a space—it’s an active teaching experience and a direct reflection of a program’s values.

Have you ever taken a step back to observe how children interact with their surroundings? Watching how they explore, navigate, and engage with their environment can be incredibly insightful. As educators, it’s our role to create a space that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful learning opportunities.

A thoughtfully designed classroom should:

✔ Have a natural flow that supports exploration and learning.
✔ Reflect children’s interests and showcase evidence of their growth.
✔ Provide opportunities for investigation, creativity, and problem-solving.
✔ Serve as a tool for classroom management by promoting engagement and minimizing disruptions.

For example, we know children love to run. Structuring the classroom layout with intentional furniture placement can help prevent open running paths while still allowing movement and engagement. A well-planned space should feel inviting, safe, and supportive while fostering a sense of belonging for every child.


Sustainability in the Classroom


Another way to enhance the learning environment is by incorporating sustainability through recycling, reusing, and repurposing materials. Not only does this approach support problem-solving skills, but it also encourages children to develop respect for their environment.


At my center, we made recycling a core part of our summer programming, and the creativity it sparked was incredible! One classroom transformed recyclables into a full-fledged water park on the playground, turning learning about environmental stewardship into a hands-on adventure.


In another room, children needed a washer and dryer for their dramatic play area, but none were available at the time. Instead of waiting for new materials, they built their own out of cardboard boxes! The pride they took in their creation was inspiring, and it was remarkable to see how their engagement with the space changed when they had a hand in designing it.


The Power of a Dynamic Environment


A classroom environment should never be static. Regularly updating and rearranging spaces introduces new challenges, prevents boredom, and keeps learning fresh. I often involved children in the process, especially with older age groups, by gathering their feedback and incorporating their ideas into the setup. When children contribute to shaping their own learning space, you can truly feel their sense of ownership, pride, and well-being. That feeling is priceless.


Designing an Engaging Learning Space


When setting up your environment, consider these key elements:


✅ Incorporate children’s interests – Create spaces that reflect what excites them.
✅ Provide hands-on materials – Include items that encourage exploration and stimulate the senses.
✅ Use natural lighting & materials – A warm, inviting space fosters a connection with the environment.
✅ Support problem-solving & inquiry – Provide open-ended resources that inspire critical thinking.
✅ Encourage collaboration – Create areas that facilitate teamwork and shared learning experiences.


As you reflect on your own classroom setup, think about ways to enhance its effectiveness. How can your environment better serve the needs of your children while also supporting your teaching approach? The classroom is more than just four walls—it’s a living, breathing part of the learning experience.


Final Thoughts


“There are three teachers of children: adults, other children, and their physical environment.”
— Loris Malaguzzi


By intentionally designing a space that supports growth, exploration, and engagement, we empower children to thrive in an environment that truly teaches.

The Difference Between Good Intentions and Impact

By Anisha Grossett • July 29, 2026
As Early Childhood Educators, we enter our classrooms with hearts full of good intentions. We want every child to feel safe, valued, respected, and included. And that matters. Good intentions are often what bring us to this profession. But in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, there is an important truth we must embrace: Good intentions do not always lead to positive impact. This does not mean our intentions don't matter. They absolutely do! The research on implicit bias reminds us that even well-intentioned educators can unknowingly make decisions influenced by unconscious assumptions rather than their conscious values. In other words, we can genuinely care about children and families while still unintentionally causing harm (Safir, 2016; Staats, 2015). The goal isn't perfection. The goal is critical reflection. To truly support the children, families, and communities in our care, we must move beyond simply meaning well and intentionally pair our good intentions with reflection, awareness, presence, and action. Understanding Unintentional Harm Most moments of unintentional harm are not rooted in malice. They are often rooted in habit, assumptions, tradition, or simply not knowing what we don't know. Unintentional harm can show up in many ways. Below are three examples educators may encounter in their everyday practice. The definitions are informed by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion's (CCDI) Glossary of DEIA Terms , an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of inclusive language and practice.

July in ECE: Reset, Reflect & Reignite Your Passion

By Anisha Grossett • June 22, 2026
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time for Early Childhood Educators to Reconnect With Themselves July often brings a shift in energy within the world of early childhood education. For some educators, it means summer programming, outdoor adventures, and changing routines. For others, it brings a slower season, time off, planning for September, or moments to finally pause after months of pouring into others. But no matter what July looks like for you, one thing remains true: ECE professionals deserve time to reset too. In a field centered around nurturing children, supporting families, and leading learning experiences, educators can easily forget to nurture themselves in the process. July is the perfect opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the passion that brought you into this field in the first place.