De-Institutionalizing the Environment

"Early childhood environments should be early learning places, not a 'pre-institution.'  The early childhood environment should honor and respect the community to nurture a cohesive and civil micro society."  These observations come from Wendy Shepherd and Jennifer Eaton from Mia Mia Child and Family Study Centre in Sydney, Australia, in their article, "Creating Environments That Intrigue and Delight Children and Adults," in the Beginnings Workshop curriculum unit, "Room Arrangement."  They identified many examples of trappings of institutionalism such as...

• Notice boards bristling with notices for everyone and no one in particular.
• Anonymous "washing lines" of children's paintings strung across classrooms or hallways.
• Boxes overflowing with lost property that no one appears to have lost.
• Stacks of beds and chairs in children's playrooms.
• Pot plants and garden beds with plants struggling to survive.
• The lack of soft places for children or adults.
  
  

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