Page 27 - PartA-ResourceV4

Introducing Caring for Children and Young People

The features of a positive environment include:

• Indoor and outdoor space for both noisy, active play and quiet play. There
needs to be space for children to run around and places to rest and sleep.

• Play materials which can be used in different ways – dough, cardboard,
dressing up clothes, and cooking utensils such as mixing bowls and
wooden spoons.

• Opportunities for children to be independent – toys which babies can
reach for themselves, dressing up clothes which children can put on
by themselves.

• Toys and games which children can play with together or on their own.

• Activities and resources which develop early language and mathematical
skills such as story books, paper and crayons, counting games and
shape puzzles.

• Adults who understand child development and how to plan activities for
children. For young children, knowledgeable adults are an important part
of their environment. An adult who understands the stages of child
development can create a positive environment for children which
provides a safe and stimulating place to play and learn.

! STOP AND THINK!

List some key features of a positive environment.

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