How Children Learn Best: The Reggio View on Environment as the ‘Third Teacher’

Children learn best in environments that are responsive, intentional, and thoughtfully designed.
In the Reggio Emilia approach, the environment is considered the “third teacher” alongside adults and peers.
A well-prepared space nurtures independence, curiosity, and emotional well-being.
The right environment encourages deeper thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

What If the Classroom Itself Is Teaching Your Child?

When we think about how children learn, we often focus on teachers, activities, and curriculum. But there is something equally powerful that is often overlooked. The environment. Have you ever noticed how a cluttered, noisy space can make a child restless or withdrawn? Or how a calm, inviting room can instantly help them settle and engage? Children are constantly absorbing messages from their surroundings. The question is, what is your child’s environment teaching them? In the Reggio Emilia approach, the answer is clear. The environment is not just a backdrop. It is a teacher in its own right. Understanding the ‘Third Teacher’ Concept The idea of the environment as the “third teacher” comes from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which places equal importance on three elements in a child’s learning journey:

The child
The adult
The environment

While educators guide and support, and peers encourage collaboration, the environment shapes how children feel, behave, and explore.

A thoughtfully designed space can:

Invite curiosity
Encourage independence
Support emotional regulation
Inspire creativity

In contrast, a poorly designed environment can limit exploration and create unnecessary frustration.

Why Environment Matters More Than You Think

Children do not separate learning from their surroundings. Every detail influences their experience.

The lighting, layout, materials, and even the way resources are presented all send subtle messages.

For example:

Low, open shelves say, “You can choose for yourself”
Natural light and soft colours say, “This is a calm and safe space”
Carefully displayed materials say, “Your work is valued”

These messages shape how children see themselves as learners.

Designing Spaces That Invite Exploration

A Reggio-inspired environment is intentionally designed to spark curiosity. Instead of overwhelming children with too many options, it offers carefully selected materials that invite exploration. You might find:

Open-ended resources such as blocks, loose parts, and natural materials
Clearly defined areas for different types of play and learning
Spaces that encourage both individual thinking and group collaboration

When children feel invited into a space, they engage more deeply and meaningfully.