Sandra Duncan

Duncan reframes the landscape of early childhood education by advocating for environments that serve as a "third teacher." Her work emphasizes that thoughtfully designed spaces are pivotal in promoting children’s learning and development. By incorporating biophilic design principles and nature-based experiences, Duncan encourages a connection to the natural world, which she argues is essential for fostering genuine understanding and wonder in young learners. This approach challenges the modern trend of standardized learning outcomes, instead advocating for environments that nurture curiosity and authentic play.\n\nIn her role as an author and educator, Duncan has significantly contributed to the field with notable books like "Rethinking the Classroom Landscape" and "The Honeycomb Hypothesis", which explore how design impacts early childhood learning. Her book, "Inspiring Spaces for Young Children", illustrates the transformative potential of well-crafted learning environments. These works are enriched by her collaborations with architects and designers, ensuring that the spaces created are both beautiful and functional. Beyond authorship, Duncan's furniture collections, "Sense of Place" and "Sense of Place for Wee Ones", embody her commitment to designing spaces that support developmental needs.\n\nEducators, designers, and early childhood professionals benefit from Duncan's insights through her speaking engagements and international consulting work, which provide practical tools for implementing her philosophies. Her bio reflects a career dedicated to enhancing learning environments globally, offering inspiration and guidance for creating spaces that are as educational as they are engaging. By aligning physical environments with educational objectives, Duncan's approach not only enriches the classroom experience but also supports the holistic development of young children.