The "Third Teacher" in the context of preschool is the physical space and systems that the child is in. This concept is based on the [[Reggio Emilia]] approach to early childhood education, which emphasizes the importance of a child's environment in their learning and development. The "first teacher" is considered to be the child's parents or primary caregivers, and the "second teacher" is the formal educator in a school setting. The "third teacher," then, is the environment itself - including not just physical spaces like classrooms and playgrounds, but also systems like schedules, routines, and rules. The idea is that children learn a great deal from interacting with their surroundings. For example, a well-designed classroom can stimulate curiosity and exploration, while a chaotic or cluttered space might hinder learning. Similarly, consistent routines can help children develop self-discipline and time management skills. Therefore, educators who subscribe to this philosophy put a lot of thought into designing their classrooms and structuring their school days. They aim to create environments that are not only safe and comfortable, but also rich with opportunities for discovery and growth.