More than just a physical space, a classroom environment is a complex system that supports children’s development in several different ways. In a classroom, you can find four distinct types of environments that interact with and influence each other.
Click on each of the main environments below to read its description.
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The physical environment is the actual space and location of the classroom. Classroom size, materials, arrangement, and equipment are all part of the physical environment and can influence the learning process.
The cognitive environment includes all of the activities, experiences, interactions, and opportunities to explore that are provided to children. The cognitive environment should be designed to make children active and eager learners.
The social and emotional environment is a reflection of the interactions between the children and their peers, between the children and their teachers or other adults, and even between the adults themselves. It can even include interactions with classroom pets! The social and emotional environment involves the feelings and emotions shared both verbally and nonverbally. Behaviors and responses to situations are part of the social-emotional atmosphere.
All of the language exchanges and verbal communication that happen in the classroom constitute the linguistic environment of the classroom. Singing, listening, talking, reading, storytelling, writing, and all other interactions where language is used influence how children build and acquire language proficiency.
This section of the course includes information most directly related to the physical, social, and emotional environments of the VPK classroom. The next section, Section 4 – Working with Young English Language Learners, will include information most directly related to the cognitive and linguistic environments. It is important to note, however, that all of these aspects of environment are closely linked and each has an effect on the others.
