Educators can do this activity with children and encourage them to use their creative minds to collaborate and share their perspectives with one another. The Ontario Ministry of Education (2014) states, Enabling children to develop a sense of belonging as part of a group is also a key contributor to their lifelong well-being. A sense of belonging is supported when each child’s unique spirit, individuality, and presence are valued" (p. 24). When an educator gives a child the ability to create and be have their choices taken into consideration when creating different areas of the classroom, it will help them to feel even more comfortable in their learning space.
CREATING A COZY CORNER WITH CHILDREN
MATERIALS NEEDED
These items can be used for the cozy corner created in collaboration with the children. If any additional materials are desired, feel free to add them.
Used to make the space feel more comfortable for children.
Gives children space to relax in for additional comfort.
Child can use these to feel more comfortable in the space.
Help keep materials organized so children can find them easily.
Can be used if children want a quiet activity.
Allows for a softer look and avoids bright light.
Blankets
Baskets
Fluffy Pillows
Books
Fluffy Toys
Fairy Lights
OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS
Educators can ask different questions to children during the process of the activity:
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How do you think this space will be used?
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How do you think this space can be more comfortable?
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What would you like to place here?
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What other materials would you like to add? ​
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How do you want the space to look?
Why does this matter?
Giving children the chance to help create different spaces like these can make difference in how they use it. With my findings explaining that when children had more control over the environment and could move around freely, this activity can be used in collaboration with the children to support them even more and allow them to feel that their opinions and perspectives do matter (Børve & Børve, 2016; Botsoglou et al., 2019; Kaynak-Ekici et al., 2021). Adding, with my findings stating that children also looked for quieter spaces or smaller group areas for comfort, having areas like this created by children gives them that option to find their needs present in their classroom (Botsoglou et al., 2019; Clement, 2019; Sando & Sandseter, 2022). It also gives them a place to go depending on how they are feeling instead of staying in one type of area all the time when they need time to relax. This also can change the entire physical environment atmosphere as children are more likely to go back to an area that they helped create or shared their own perspectives on (Colwell et al., 2016).