The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) has established a number of guidelines which can help to ensure that children are provided with all of the tools necessary to benefit from a quality education. Of course, good habits tend to be established at relatively young ages. This is why one portion of the EYFS framework involves appreciating the benefits of an enabling nursery school environment.
An enabling atmosphere is one which will encourage children to participate in the learning process. It offers them a safe, stimulating and interactive atmosphere. Due to the child-centred nature of these settings, they will also allow teachers to employ modern EYFS assessment techniques. Thus, it is much easier to gauge the progress of each student as well as to identify those who may require a bit more attention. Let us look at how you can foster an enabling environment.
A Sense of Familiarity
Children need to feel comfortable within an environment that may initially appear rather new. This is why incorporating everyday objects which may be found around their homes is a wise strategy. If they feel safe, they will be much more likely to become receptive to what the nursery settings have to offer.
Encourage Children to Independently Explore
An engaging nursery environment should allow children to explore areas and discover new items at their own pace. All children to decide which objects they choose to interact with and illustrate to them that it is perfectly fine to roam freely. This approach helps to develop a sense of confidence at an early age.
Offer a Range of Learning Activities
We need to remember that nursery schools are primarily tasked with developing basic skill sets that can be used later in life. This is why children should be provided with a range of activities. Examples include (but are not limited to) problem-solving games such as puzzles, an area devoted to art, a portion of the room associated with housekeeping, and locations where children can interact with one another.
Create a “Quiet Space”
Some children are more sociable than others. There may also be times when special needs students (such as those with sensory problems) can become overwhelmed with an extremely diverse environment. Thus, nursery settings should also offer a quiet space where children can visit when desired. This will enable them to regain their focus without being bombarded by multiple distractions.
Involve the Children When Setting Rules
It is important for children to understand the rules associated with any enabling environment. As opposed to simply listing these guidelines, try to include the children as much as possible when determining which ones are the most relevant. Allowing nursery students to participate will help them to better appreciate why these rules are in place.
It has often been said that the key to future scholastic success is rooted within nursery school settings. Those who are able to create a safe, interesting and enabling environment will provide their students with the skills and mindset that will be needed as they grow older.
