The document discusses how the classroom environment influences children. It contains several quotes highlighting how the environment should act as a third teacher by reflecting the ideas and cultures of the people in it. Thoughtfully designed spaces help children develop self-regulation and learning skills through noticing details and supporting concentrated work. Features like light, color, texture, height, and organization all impact the classroom's ability to nurture children's growth and development.

1. E N V I R O N M E N T A L
I M P A C T
T H E I N F L U E N C E O F C L A S S R O O M D E S I G N
Ranay Gursky & Stephanie Keck-Warren

2. I N T H E E A R L Y Y E A R S , T H E
E N V I R O N M E N T I S T H E
C U R R I C U L U M
- A N N L E W I N - B E N H A M

3. T H E E N V I R O N M E N T
A S T H E T H I R D
T E A C H E R
It has been said that the
environment should act as
a kind of aquarium which
reflects the ideas, ethics,
attitudes and cultures of
the people who live in it.
This is what we are
working toward.
- Loris Malaguzzi

4. I D E N T I T Y

9. T H E C O M F O R T S O F

14. T H O U G H T F U L D E S I G N C A U S E S C H I L D R E N T O
N O T I C E D E T A I L A N D A L S O S U P P O R T S T H E
D E V E L O P M E N T O F S E L F - R E G U L A T I O N ,
C O N C E N T R A T E D W O R K , A N D N U M E R O U S
P H Y S I C A L , S O C I A L , A N D C O G N I T I V E S K I L L S .
- A N N L E W I N - B E N H A M

15. S P A C E S T O C O N N E C T

20. L I G H T

24. L I F E

28. C O L O R

30. When neutral colors are used, the
children and their work can add most of
the color.
- Deb Curtis and Margie Carter

31. T E X T U R E

34. H E I G H T

38. O R G A N I Z A T I O N

41. I M A G E O F T H E C H I L D

44. D O N ’ T R U S H T H E P R O C E S S !
T H E P R O C E S S N E V E R E N D S .