early childhood ed final

 Why is outdoor learning important in ECE?

It promotes physical health, supports holistic development, encourages exploration and risk-taking, strengthens connection with nature, and enhances engagement and motivation.

What are the benefits of nature-based education?

Cognitive gains, improved attention, enhanced creativity, social collaboration, sensory-rich experiences, and emotional well-being

Key conclusions of “Outdoor learning in early childhood education”?

Outdoor learning must be intentional, child-led, integrated with curriculum, supported by educators, and seen as a legitimate learning environment equal to the classroom.

What are the four stages of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle?

Concrete experience → Reflective observation → Abstract conceptualization → Active experimentation.

 Key terms in Outdoor Education/Learning?

Experiential learning, risk-taking, affordances, environmental stewardship, place-based learning, nature immersion.

Examples of outdoor mathematics activities in ECE?

Counting natural objects, measuring sticks/shadows, patterning with leaves, mapping playground, comparing sizes or quantities found outdoors.

What does “environment as the third teacher” mean?

The environment actively shapes learning by inspiring curiosity, autonomy, collaboration, and meaningful engagement.

What is the implicit curriculum within the environment?

The hidden messages and learning opportunities conveyed by space organization, routines, materials, and social norms.

Key words describing Reggio environments?

Aesthetics, transparency, symmetry, natural light, order, flexibility, intentionality, open-endedness, relationships.

Differences between structured and non-structured materials?

Structured: fixed use, predetermined outcomes (puzzles, blocks).
Non-structured: open-ended, flexible, imaginative (loose parts, natural elements).

 What is an Early Learning Environment?

A physical, social, and cultural space intentionally designed to support children’s development, autonomy, creativity, and relationships.

Characteristics of effective indoor ECE environments?

Defined learning zones, accessibility, aesthetics, child-sized materials, natural lighting, sensory balance, safety, and flexibility.

Characteristics of strong outdoor ECE environments?

Diverse zones (quiet, active, nature), rich materials, safety balanced with challenge, natural elements, affordances for exploration.

What is time management in ELE?

Structuring daily routines to allow autonomy, deep engagement, transitions, and balanced rhythms between activity types.

What is the Remida approach?

Creative reuse center promoting sustainability, imagination, and open-ended exploration using recycled and industrial leftover materials

Key features of Montessori classroom organization?

Child-sized furniture, accessible shelves, carefully prepared materials, order, autonomy, mixed-age groups.

Montessori Principle: movement + cognition?

Movement supports thinking; learning is embodied.

Montessori Principle: control over life?

Autonomy boosts motivation and well-being

Montessori Principle: interest?

Children learn best when genuinely interested.

Montessori Principle: extrinsic rewards?

Rewards undermine intrinsic motivation when removed.

Montessori Principle: collaboration?

Cooperative learning enhances understanding

Montessori Principle: meaningful contexts?

Real-life, purposeful tasks deepen learning

 Montessori Principle: adult interaction?

Respectful, observant, non-intrusive guidance supports optimal development.

Montessori Principle: order?

Order in the environment aids concentration and emotional regulation.

Examples of Montessori materials?

Pink tower, knobbed cylinders, metal insets, movable alphabet, practical life trays, sandpaper letters.

Definition of sex?

Biological characteristics (chromosomes, anatomy).

Definition of gender?

Socially constructed roles, behaviors, expectations

Equality vs. Equity?

Equality = same support; Equity = support based on individual needs.

 Intersectionality?

Overlapping identities create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege.

Stereotypes?

Oversimplified, fixed beliefs about groups.

Stages of gender development?

Labeling → Stability → Constancy → Compliance with roles.

What reinforces gender stereotypes?

Family expectations, media, toys, peer behavior, teacher interactions, cultural norms.

Consequences of gender stereotypes in ECE?

Gender boxes, limited activities, violence/harassment, restricted career aspirations, academic performance gaps.

How can teachers deconstruct gender stereotypes?

Provide diverse materials, challenge biased language, mix groups, offer non-gendered activities, reflect critically on implicit messages.

What is inclusive education?

 Ensuring all children, regardless of ability, learn together with appropriate support, participation, and equity.

Key differences USA vs Italy?

USA: strong IEP system, more pull-out services.
Italy: strong full inclusion philosophy, reduced segregation.

What is Disability Studies?

A field analyzing disability as a social, cultural, and political construct rather than a medical deficit.

Contemporary issues in inclusive education?

Ableism, neurodiversity advocacy, social model of disability, questions about power in the term “inclusion.”

What is Universal design for learning?

Framework providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression for all learners.

What is Critical Race Theory in ECE?

A lens for understanding how systemic racism influences children’s experiences, expectations, and educational outcomes.

Findings from research on race in ECE?

 Teachers’ implicit biases shape interactions, discipline, expectations, and curriculum; colorblind approaches fail to address inequity.

Conclusion of “But I don’t believe it’s about race”?

Race strongly affects ECE environments, and educators must critically reflect on biases, structures, and power dynamics.

What is Critical Multicultural Education?

A framework that interrogates power, challenges systemic inequality, and promotes social justice—not just celebrating diversity.

How does Critical multicultural education differ from traditional multiculturalism?

CME critiques systems of oppression, questions whose knowledge is valued, and seeks structural transformation; traditional approaches often focus on festivals, foods, or surface-level inclusion.