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.

More Than a Workshop: How Coaching, Consulting, and Training Transform ECE Communities

By Anisha Grossett • February 27, 2026
At The Early Childhood Coach (ECC), we believe that real change in early learning doesn’t come from one-off sessions or quick fixes. It comes from relationships, reflection, and long-term investment in people and communities. Over the years, we’ve had the honour of working alongside incredible organizations, regions, and educators across Canada — including partners like Childventures, Region of Peel, and communities across Newfoundland and PEI — and what we’ve seen time and time again is this: When educators are supported in the right way, entire communities shift. But that support doesn’t look the same in every space. That’s why at ECC, our work is grounded in three distinct but deeply connected services: Training Consulting Coaching Each one plays a different role. Each one serves a different purpose. And together, they create sustainable, meaningful change.

Reigniting Your Passion for Teaching

By Anisha Grossett • January 30, 2026
Finding Joy and Purpose in the Middle of the Year Somewhere between the excitement of September and the promise of summer, there’s February — the quiet stretch in the middle. The new-year energy has faded, the routines feel repetitive, and many educators find themselves just trying to make it to the next long weekend. If you’ve been feeling that way lately, you’re not alone. This season can be one of the hardest in early childhood education — the weather’s cold, the classrooms are busy, and energy levels are low. But this moment also offers something powerful: an invitation to pause, reflect, and reignite your passion for why you started in this field in the first place.