ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 discusses literacy-arts learning environments and designing a culture of innovation. Contemporary learning environments intentionally designed to embrace and create a culture of innovation that can serve all learners require an understanding of how educators, learners, and contexts work synergistically. This chapter aims to illuminate how learning environments are the context in which learning occurs and includes the culture, learning space, and pedagogical approaches we use for teaching and learning. These elements significantly impact access, equity, opportunity, and academic and creative outcomes. Taking what we know about learning environments and making them better supports designers of learning environments to accommodate the diversity of learners and their needs and create intentional and thoughtful learning spaces that embody literacy-arts integration. This chapter provides an overview of perspectives on contemporary learning environments in K-8 contexts. Next, Chapter 2 discusses the philosophy of the Reggio-Emilia approach to educating young children. This chapter concludes by outlining essential elements to consider when designing an innovative, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment that promotes equity and culture-based creativity with a focus on literacy-arts integration.
