According to the National Centers for Education in Maternal and Child Health, “Environments that are stimulating for babies and young children up to age 5 are filled with safe objects to explore, allow freedom of movement, and provide a variety of experiences. A stimulating environment can be created in one room of a home, in a home child care setting, or in a center-based environment. Moreover, the most important aspect of a stimulating environment is a caregiver (or caregivers) who can create inviting, challenging play spaces in which to interact with babies and young children, can set limits and be emotionally available to babies and young children, and can read babies’ and young children’s cues and support them when they become overstimulated, fatigued, or bored. “
Today I want to inspire you create a space or classroom (s) that stimulate the mind of young children. In fact, if children are not allowed to freely explore the materials in their environment and are not able to reach the materials in their environment; their minds are not being stimulated.
In my 14 years of setting up environments for young children and studying brain development, I know the importance of having a mind stimulating environment.
I have discovered that when a child’s mind is stimulated, he or she is very engaged in learning. However, if a child’s mind is not stimulated; he or she is bored and disinterested.
So with my discoveries in mind, I want to encourage you to provide a stimulating environment and I have provided some great articles to give you so mind stimulating ideas!
Lets take a look at what a stimulating child care environment looks like, click here
With Quality Care in mind!
Shiketa
Check out this article, click here
The Child Care Business Owner Institute 
Comments on: "How to Create a Mind Stimulating Environment For Young Children" (4)
Thanks. You’ve given a great reminder. Kids should be exploring and learning what they are curious about (we know they have a lot of questions!) 🙂
This advice got me to start hiking with my kids regularly and letting them lead to look at what they want. It has been great for all of us.
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Thats awesome! Im happy to know that I inspired you to take the kids hiking. Love it! Get ready for lots of questions….
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In Love and Logic, it talks about letting children explore in unfamiliar areas like the airport and not grabbing them as soon as they wander 5 feet away.
What are yout thoughts about making unfamiliar areas a stimulating environment and balancing that with the child’s safety?
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Thats a great point! Yes children should have opportunties to explore what they are not familiar with; thats how we expand their minds. Great point!
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