The Environment as the Third Teacher
The Environment as the Third Teacher
(Designing Spaces That Inspire Learning, Connection & Belonging)
SESSIONS
Wednesday 12th August 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Western Australia
Thursday 13th August 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
6:00pm - 8:00pm - South Australia, Northern Territory
INDIVIDUAL - $129
TEAM - $599
Team is for an Individual Early Learning Team
Overview
This inspiring and practice-focused course explores the powerful role of the learning environment as a “third teacher” in early childhood education. Grounded in contemporary early years pedagogy, it invites educators to see environments not as static backdrops, but as active, intentional contributors to children’s learning, behaviour, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
Educators will explore how thoughtfully designed spaces can communicate values, invite curiosity, support regulation, and deepen engagement. The course highlights how environments can nurture emotional security, independence, creativity, and connection—while also supporting educators to create calm, responsive, and purposeful learning spaces that reflect children’s identities, interests, and developmental needs.
What Educators Will Learn
Modules
Module 1: Understanding the Environment as the Third Teacher
Module 2: Environment, Behaviour & Emotional Regulation
Module 3: Designing for Play, Independence & Exploration
Module 4: Reflective Practice & Evolving Environments
(Designing Spaces That Inspire Learning, Connection & Belonging)
SESSIONS
Wednesday 12th August 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Western Australia
Thursday 13th August 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
6:00pm - 8:00pm - South Australia, Northern Territory
INDIVIDUAL - $129
TEAM - $599
Team is for an Individual Early Learning Team
Overview
This inspiring and practice-focused course explores the powerful role of the learning environment as a “third teacher” in early childhood education. Grounded in contemporary early years pedagogy, it invites educators to see environments not as static backdrops, but as active, intentional contributors to children’s learning, behaviour, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
Educators will explore how thoughtfully designed spaces can communicate values, invite curiosity, support regulation, and deepen engagement. The course highlights how environments can nurture emotional security, independence, creativity, and connection—while also supporting educators to create calm, responsive, and purposeful learning spaces that reflect children’s identities, interests, and developmental needs.
What Educators Will Learn
- The concept of the environment as the “third teacher” in early childhood pedagogy
- How physical spaces influence behaviour, emotional regulation, and engagement
- The connection between environment, attachment, and emotional security
- How to design spaces that promote independence, curiosity, and exploration
- The role of aesthetics, order, and accessibility in supporting learning
- Creating environments that reflect children’s voices, identities, and interests
- How intentional design supports play, relationships, and wellbeing
- Practical strategies to evaluate, refresh, and adapt learning environments
Modules
Module 1: Understanding the Environment as the Third Teacher
- Origins and meaning of the “third teacher” concept (Reggio Emilia, Montessori philosophy)
- How environments actively shape learning, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing
- The environment as a reflection of educator values and pedagogy
- Links between space, curiosity, engagement, and identity
- Seeing environments as intentional, responsive, and evolving
Module 2: Environment, Behaviour & Emotional Regulation
- How space impacts regulation, focus, and group dynamics
- Identifying environmental triggers for dysregulation or disengagement
- Creating calm, predictable, and emotionally safe environments
- The link between attachment, safety, and spatial design
- Designing spaces that reduce overwhelm and support co-regulation
Module 3: Designing for Play, Independence & Exploration
- Creating environments that invite curiosity and sustained engagement
- Supporting independence through accessibility and clear organisation
- Designing for different types of play (quiet, active, imaginative, social)
- The role of provocations and intentional setup of learning experiences
- Balancing structure with freedom in play spaces
Module 4: Reflective Practice & Evolving Environments
- Observing how children interact with and move through environments
- Using reflection to evaluate and improve learning spaces
- Involving children’s voices in environmental design and change
- Adapting environments to meet changing interests and developmental needs
- Creating a cycle of continuous improvement in space and practice
