S3 #5 The Environment as the Third Teacher — Curating Calm, Curiosity & Connection with Hollie Mayes

In this thoughtful episode of Let’s Talk Early Years, I sit down with Hollie Mayes to explore one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, influences in early childhood learning: the environment.What if the space itself could teach?We dive into the idea of the environment as the third teacher, not just a backdrop, but a partner in every child’s learning journey.Together, we explore:✅ Why clutter-free, intentional spaces matter more than ever✅ How to design with a child’s perspective in mind✅ The power of calm aesthetics in reducing overwhelm and boosting engagement✅ How small design changes can inspire big developmental leaps✅ What it means to be a reflective practitioner through spaceHollie shares practical tips and heartfelt reflections on how creating “invitations to play” can replace screen time, reduce overstimulation, and give children (and parents!) more moments of peace and discovery.Whether you’re a parent, practitioner, or leader, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink how your learning environments can speak softly, intentionally, and powerfully.