Design Purposeful Spaces

Designing a classroom with intention creates a welcoming, engaging environment where every space, material, and learning experience supports children's development, independence, and natural curiosity.

Calm. Purposeful. Inviting.

Calm and purposeful learning environments inspire curiosity, encourage independence, and create meaningful opportunities for children to explore, discover, and grow.

Third Teacher

The classroom environment serves as the third teacher, thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, encourage independence, support exploration, and promote meaningful learning through every space and material.

About the course

Great learning begins with a thoughtfully designed environment! The classroom is more than just a place where children spend their day—it is the third teacher, influencing how children learn, explore, interact, and grow. A well-designed learning environment encourages independence, sparks curiosity, supports positive behavior, and creates meaningful opportunities for discovery.

Dr. Rhonda Crabbs

Rhonda Crabbs is an early childhood education leader, trainer, and curriculum specialist with extensive experience supporting educators, children, and families across Texas. She is the founder of Shade Tree Learning, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality professional development, CDA support, and leadership training for early childhood professionals. Through Shade Tree Learning, Dr. Crabbs offers instructor-led webinars, director credential programs, curriculum support, and practical training designed to strengthen early childhood programs and empower educators.

Curriculum

8 Chapters · 36 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      What is the Learning Environment

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The classroom as the "third teacher"

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      How environments influence children's behavior and learning

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      The teacher's role in creating an intentional environment

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Connecting the environment

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Safe Environment

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Preventing classroom hazards

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Safe placement of furniture and equipment

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Maintaining safe teacher-to-child visibility

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Creating emotional safety and security

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Minimum Standards

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Clearly defined learning

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Noise Level

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Supervision and Inclusion

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introducation

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Dramatic Play

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Blocks and Construction

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Art and creative expression

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Books and Literacy

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Manipulatives and Fine Motor

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Science and Discovery

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Music and Movement

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Developmentally Appropriate

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Promotes Independence

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Environment to Support Classroom Management

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Print-Rich and Language-Rich Environment

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Children's Work and Classroom Displays

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Environments

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Environment for Infants and Toddlers

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Environment for Preschool and Pre-K Children

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Teacher's Role

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Observing Children to Improve the Environment

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Common Learning Environment Mistakes

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Evaluating Your Own Classroom

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz

Enroll Today and Transform Your Learning Environment!

Discover how small changes in your classroom can make a big difference in children's learning, behavior, and development. Gain practical strategies and creative ideas to design purposeful spaces that inspire curiosity, encourage independence, and make every learning experience meaningful. Enroll today and start creating an environment where children thrive!

$20.00

Enroll now