Shaping Learning Environments for Interactions

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"What can I do to make my learning environment more conducive to conversational turns?"

The physical layout of a room  — plus the materials you choose to present in it — shapes the learning experience of a child.  Regularly assessing and organizing materials support continued engagement and stimulation in each area.

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Tips for Organizing Early Education Classrooms to Increase Conversational Turns

Positive teacher-child interactions are the heart of classroom quality. To actively engage children in all spaces of the room, an adult must be able to be both mindful and present within each space. How can you make space for these relationships?


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Classrooms Ready for InteractionsCop_InteractionCanva

Do you want a classroom full of conversational turns? LENA teachers share their best tips for organizing your classroom and materials to increase interactions.
Available for both infant/toddler and preschool-aged children.


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Making Space for the 14 Talking Tips CoP_14TTsLE

Make the most of your classroom layout! Use these tips to help arrange your space, choose materials, and engage children in a learning environment that supports quality interactions.
Spanish version coming soon! 

YOUR STORIES

Educators share tips on creating engaging learning environments.

Katie Rissimiller, Education Specialist with Mini University in Dayton, Ohio

"Share challenging, open-ended items to keep children excited, such as large boxes, types of seats, or collage items. Talk about what children can do or how they can play with the items.”

Daleena Huffman, Mini University in Dayton, Ohio

“I create an environment that promotes conversational turns by setting up dolls, animals and tiny people in the classroom in open or hidden areas in a funny way. ‘The doll is in the fridge! She looks like she’s going to eat the cake!’”