ECE 144 Creating Sensory-Rich Environments

Lecture Hours: 1
Credits: 1

Explores and designs sensory-rich environments for young children. Emphasizes infants and toddlers. Connects environments with caregiver and peer interactions. Integrates research on brain architecture with sensory-rich environments.

Student Learning Outcomes:

List and describe elements and examples of materials providing appropriate, varied sensory experiences for young children.
Analyze and refine infant-toddler environments to provide appropriate, varied sensory experiences.
Summarize research on brain architecture of young children. Articulate connection between brain architecture and sensory-rich environments.
Integrate understanding of sensory-rich environments with importance of care-giver and peer relationships.

Content Outline

Early Experiences and Brain Architecture: Foundations of Development
- How brains are built
- Gene-environment interaction
Sensory-rich Environments: Promoting Curiosity and Development
- Materials, surfaces, manipulatives: the stuff
- Schedules, routines, design: safe opportunities
- Caregiver and peer relationships: the context
Developing the Craft of Designing Environments
- Using checklists
- Analyzing existing spaces
- Refining spaces