Category: Learning Spaces

The Art Cart

By Mariah Bruehl, 30th October 2014

As the girls get older I am making a slight shift in my outlook on creating spaces for them… With younger children I recommend a more curated collection of materials that can be rotated in and out according to their interests. Yet, as I set up this new space (more will be revealed in the upcoming Playful Learning Spaces Workshop) for my 10 and 11 year olds, I decided to take a lot of our supplies out of the storage closet and bring them into the light of day and on display.

Older children are able to handle more choices and need easy access to interesting materials. They can quickly become interested in exploring an idea, yet just as quickly move on if they don’t find what they need. The goal of any space created for children continues to be the encouragement of independence and exploration.

For the older artists in our lives there is a shift from teaching them how to use and explore a variety of materials to experimenting with materials in order to solve design challenges. They come to this space with their own ideas and inspiration for projects and their time here is spent making the image they have in their mind a reality through trial and error.

It is just that kind of problem solving and persistence we want to see develop within our children. Creating spaces that feel safe (so they are comfortable taking risks) and enticing (to get the ideas flowing) is a small thing we can do that makes a big difference in their lives…

In many ways it has become a maker lab, because, makers gonna make, especially if they have an inviting space…

At this point we have discovered many different tried and true art supplies, which we like to have on hand (although we always love new recommendations). Being well-stocked and organized comes in handy for last minute school projects and when spontaneous DIY inspiration strikes.

Colored pencils
Crayon rocks (just for fun + great for little hands)
Chalk and eraser
Markers (these were my favorite chart paper markers when I was in the classroom)
Window markers
Dry erase markers
Gel pens
Sharpies (perfect for using with watercolors)
Modeling clay
Sidewalk chalk
Glitter
Variety of stamps (alphabet are a must)
Pom poms (why not?)
Popsicle sticks
Wooden clips
Wire
Fabric paint and pens
Paint brush assortment
Watercolors (below cart)

More Art Area Inspiration…

How to Set-Up an Art Cart by Tinkerlab
DIY Crafting Station by Handmade Charlotte
Kids Art Space by The Artful Parent

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Designing Spaces for Children: Getting Started

By Mariah Bruehl, 25th August 2014

As the end of summer approaches in the northern hemisphere, many of us with children will begin preparing for a new school year. Whether you are a teacher awaiting the arrival of a room full of children or a parent with children at home, this time of year offers the perfect opportunity to consider the spaces where children learn, play, grow, and thrive.

Over the past several months, I’ve shared ideas for incorporating color, texture, and transparency into your spaces and have asked you to consider how light, aroma, sound, and movement contribute to the overall feel of your space. Today, let’s think about what to do once you’re ready to start implementing changes in your space.

Here are a few ways to begin:

Choose 1-2 Elements to Guide the Design

What element of design are you most drawn to? Is it color? Perhaps light or sound? Spend time observing where one or more of these elements is already present and then brainstorm ways to incorporate more of it in your space.

Follow the Interests of Children

What are your children’s current interests? Identifying a few specific areas can help guide the setup of your space. Is it nature? How about setting up a nature table. Books? You might create a cozy book nook or storytelling area complete with puppets and a stage.

Find Inspiration

Take note of the way other spaces for children are designed. Visit your local children’s museum, library, and park for ideas. Pin, Tag, and bookmark the many photos available on the web.

Include Children in the Process

Ask children what they want in their space and encourage them to express their ideas through drawing, clay, or wire. You might just be surprised by their creativity!

Observation and Reflection

One thing is for certain. Taking the time to observe your physical space and how children use it is an essential step before, during, and after you make changes.

And perhaps most importantly, enjoy the process! Creating spaces for children is ongoing. Just when the space feels right, a new interest is sure to emerge…

SaveSave

Designing Spaces for Children: Movement and Flow

By Mariah Bruehl, 10th July 2014

“From a child’s perspective, everything is an interactive surface with the potential to be sculpted, painted, draped, or molded artistically…. Their play is often a response to subtle variations in the places and sensations that surround them.” – Anita Rui Olds

Have you ever noticed the way children move through a space? Imagine a hallway – at the doctor’s office, the grocery store, or even a typical public school. It’s almost as if a long corridor silently screams to children, “Run”. And, what do they do? Run, of course! Children take cues from the environment and the way space is arranged can have a significant impact on their learning experience. Whether you are designing a classroom or simply creating a corner within your home, you’ll want to consider how the layout encourages movement and creates a natural flow among different areas.

The design of your space will likely be determined by the amount of space you have, the location of doors and windows, furniture, and the type of flooring available to you. Carpet and area rugs provide softness and help define areas while hard surfaces like linoleum or tile are great for “messy” play, like art projects and sensory exploration. A combination of both is ideal. Most classrooms are organized by learning centers, such as areas for block play, art, and science. Determining the type of play that will occur in your space will help you design a floor plan that optimizes learning.

Here are some tips for considering movement and flow:

o Think about the functionality of each space. What furniture best suits each area? Seek out flexible furnishings that can grow with your children and accommodate their emerging interests.

o Avoid setting out materials on the perimeter of the room and instead create small areas that are enclosed on 2 or 3 sides. Children are naturally drawn to small spaces where they can be alone or with one or two others. Small areas encourage focus and attention and appear more manageable.

o Create clearly defined areas using low shelves and other furniture but take care not to overcrowd the space. You might experiment with hanging plants, artwork, or beaded curtains to create a visual divider between areas.

o Arrange quiet areas (like reading) apart from louder areas (like block play) to minimize distractions and disruptions.

o Create wide pathways that allow children to move freely without bumping into one another.

o Some areas of your space may hold multiple functions, like a kitchen table, so creating a storage system is essential. You might roll out a drop cloth to protect the floor or a table surface.

o Use baskets and bins to organize and store materials in an attractive way. Check out the following posts for great tips on minimizing clutter and Toy Organization.

Every child is different and our spaces should reflect their growing interests and needs. How does your child move through space? How do you account for movement when creating your spaces for children?

Designing Spaces for Children: Sound

By Mariah Bruehl, 27th May 2014

What sounds do you associate with childhood? Is it the sound of an ice cream truck making its way through the neighborhood or the reverberating sound of a diving board as someone plunges into a swimming pool? Or maybe it’s a child exclaiming, “Ready or not, here I come!” For me, it’s the sound of a screen door closing when running inside after a long afternoon of play.

The way we perceive sound has an incredible influence on our sense of time, place, and wellbeing. “Every cell in the body registers sound waves,” writes Anita Rui Olds, “We actually hear with our entire bodies, not simply with our ears.”

Unless you are a musician or sound engineer or happen to be undergoing a renovation or building a new space, you probably haven’t spent much time thinking about acoustics. Often we don’t think about the impact sound has on our experiences. We hear what we want or need and tune out the rest. So, what happens when we tune in to our spaces?

If you’ve spent any time in a preschool classroom or a children’s museum you can likely recall the sound of children playing. And it’s probably loud. Perhaps too loud. Spaces for children tend to focus on the bottom half of the room. This makes sense because young children spend a lot of time on or near the floor but when we’re thinking about acoustics it’s important to consider the entire space from floor to ceiling.

Hardwood floors reflect sound and high ceilings create echoes. Including absorbent materials like area rugs, soft pillows, curtains, and other textiles help minimize noise and add texture to your space. To distribute sound more evenly you can vary the ceiling and floor height using furniture like lofts and risers, which also provide children with different perspectives to view their surroundings. Hanging a shadow curtain or draping sheer fabric from the ceiling also helps diffuse sound and creates a “lowering of the ceiling effect” giving way to soft and cozy spaces below.

Sometimes simply opening a window will invite sound into your space. Wind chimes and plants like bamboo and tall grasses respond to the movement of air with sound. Birdhouses attract songbirds. Even incorporating circulating fountains and aquariums in your space will produce the soothing sound of water.

Children are naturally drawn to experimenting with sound and there are so many possibilities for exploring its properties. What does sound look like? Can you draw sound? How does sound feel? Seek out your local museums and parks for sound installations and sculptures. You might experiment with building a sound wall or take a sound walk with children. I just discovered there’s an app that turns footsteps into sounds while walking the High Line in New York City! Once children begin observing their surroundings, there’s no telling where it might lead…

What sounds do you notice in your spaces for children? What strategies help you manage sound? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Sign-Up Now!

For more inspiration on creating spaces for children, check out our Playful Learning Spaces Workshop.

Start: November 4, 2014

End: November 21, 2014

To register, click here.

Designing Spaces for Children: Transparency

By Mariah Bruehl, 18th March 2014

The word transparency holds multiple meanings. It refers to the transmission of light through an object, such as a window or piece of fabric, and can also serve as a metaphor for visibility – making visible what is valued, what has happened, and what is underway.

So, how might you consider transparency when designing spaces for children?

One way to begin is looking at the environment from the perspective of a child. What happens when you position yourself at the eye-level of a child? What do you see? Is the furniture setup to encourage exploration in an open and inviting way? Are materials easily accessible and organized in a way that makes sense? “Seeing” supports autonomy and independent thinking, as children learn how to access the materials needed to support and extend their learning.

Glass jars have a way of making small objects look like precious things, just waiting to be discovered. Using transparent containers to hold objects highlights their attributes and can reveal rich details that may otherwise go unnoticed. Additionally, including light tables, mirrors, and other objects that catch and reflect light can invoke a sense of wonder and inspire new ways of thinking.

Transparency connects you to the outside world. Do you have windows in your space? How might they be used to invite further exploration? In this photo, a plant clipping is placed in a glass jar and set on the windowsill where children can observe the regrowth of its roots.

The spaces we create for children ultimately communicate our values. When we display children’s artwork along with photographs and other forms of documentation, we give visibility to their unique process of learning.

Where does transparency exist in your spaces for children? How do you make your values visible?

Sign-Up Now!

For more inspiration on creating spaces for children, check out our Playful Learning Spaces Workshop.

Start: November 4, 2014

End: November 21, 2014

To register, click here.

Raising Helpers

By Mariah Bruehl, 27th February 2014

We’ve spent a great deal of time trying to decide how to create a system of chores that works for us and our young family. Like many other parents, we started out using a rewards based chore chart when our oldest was a toddler. Prizes were a great motivation at first, but over time we could recognize that she was largely missing the point and I eventually grew tired of handing out prizes for the simplest of tasks. Now we’ve fallen into the trap many parents are in: besides asking our children to be generally neat and pick up their toys, we tend to do most of the chores ourselves.

The conclusion we’ve reached is that everyone who lives in the house with the family should be expected to contribute in some way. Rewards and allowances shouldn’t be given as a response to this contribution. Young children love to help, all they need is encouragement, consistency, and a loving parent or teacher to teach them how to help. For those of us applying this way of thinking to an existing family-where do we start? And, what can really be expected of young children?

Every family has their own way of operating, but hopefully the progress we’ve made in our journey can help you define your own approach. Our children are 6, 4, and 18 months. We’ve been allowing our youngest to help and teaching him new things when he seems interested, such as sweeping, throwing things in the garbage, and helping move clothes from the washer to the dryer. It’s fun to see him excited about helping, but there are no expectations or set chores for him yet at this time.

Here are a few suggestions for children from 2-6:

1. Define your everyday expectations. These are simple tasks that are attached to daily family life. Our 4 and 6 year old are expected to bring their dishes to the kitchen after meals, clean up spills, put their laundry in the basket, help put away clean clothes, pick up toys and games, make their beds, and throw garbage away. Speak of and enforce these tasks often and they will become a way of life. This is an area we are hoping to grow in! I believe my children are capable of more and I would love to see them become more independent and confident as their skills grow.

2. Rotating and Sporadic Tasks. These are tasks that don’t come up everyday, but on a weekly or sporadic basis. Examples would be: taking the garbage out to the curb, mopping floors, yard work, and watering plants. Look at your tasks for the week and ask your children to help you. To make things fun, we’ve decided to add a “helping envelope” for both children to the wall. A slip of paper with a picture of their “job” for the week will be inside each envelope at the start of the week. You can get creative with these. Does your child really love to sort things? Does she love to help in the kitchen? Does he love to be outside? Put them to work doing something they love!

3. Have Patience. As much as children love to learn a new skill, it can be difficult to learn a new task. Look at it as an opportunity to spend some extra time with your child. No, they’re not going to clean things exactly as you do. And yes, it will take them much longer. But, by teaching them to contribute and care for the things they own you are giving them an invaluable gift. Turn up the music and make it fun!

Here’s a helpful chart that’s been making the rounds on the web lately (source) :

How does your family handle household chores? I would love to hear about your experiences!

In the Community: Experiential Learning

By Mariah Bruehl, 11th February 2014

Monique of Green Acorns is with us today with to share the power that comes with introducing children to role models within our communities.

I educate my three children at home. It is one of the most challenging roles I have taken on and also one of the most rewarding. As my children get older and their interests broaden, I have had to accept that I cannot teach them all that they desire to know. I can, however, continue to support their interests by providing them with the right tools. One of our goals for this year has been to get out in our community more and take advantage of the wonderful resources it’s members have to offer.

As I walked down the “artist wing” of a local business complex one day, I noticed one particular studio with its doors wide open. In speaking with my friend in that building I found out that this particular artist loves for people to pop their head in and see what he’s working on (and his dog LOVES making new friends). Aha! I had found an artist who was willing to talk to my children about painting techniques, give a demonstration, and answer their questions! That small moment set me on a course of connecting with other community members who may be willing to give their time and talents to nurture my children’s interests and enhance their learning. So far I have connected with someone to teach basket weaving, a pilot to demonstrate the physics of flight, an architect to discuss design principles, a neighbor to teach knitting, and some bird and wildlife biologists.

Some of these connections may be a one time meeting and some will be on-going but all will positively influence my children and will foster a deeper level of learning. Children learn best when what they are learning is relevant to their interests and they are thoroughly engaged. This type of experiential learning can also improve confidence and communication skills, develop a sense of citizenship, and allows children to see how skills apply in the broader world.

If this is something you would like to try for your child, whether you home-school or not, but you’re not sure where to begin or it seems overwhelming, try starting by reaching out to family and friends. Think about your child’s interests and consider who you know with skills that match those interests. Is your child fascinated with wood scraps and likes to fit things together? Perhaps a grandparent has some building or woodworking skills. Does your child love birds? Perhaps there’s serious bird-watcher in your neighborhood. Never be afraid to ask. Start with one area of interest and be clear on what you hope, and your child hopes, to take away from the experience. Let yourself be open to where the experience may lead and continue to provide your child with the right tools that will continue to foster his or her love of learning.

Now if I can find a local stunt-person for my son…

Designing Spaces for Children: Texture

By Mariah Bruehl, 4th February 2014

“Space speaks to us. Long corridors whisper ‘run’ to a child; picket fences invite us to trail our hands along the slats. Physical objects have emotional messages of warmth, pleasure, solemnity, fear; action messages of come close, touch me, or stay away.“ -Jim Greenman

Children explore their surroundings with all of their senses. From the moment of birth, touch is an essential component to communication. Texture is appreciated almost always by touch yet it can also have a strong visual presence. We each experience texture differently so it is important to include a variety of textures when creating spaces for children. The aim should be to create a multi-sensory setting with many different materials. Materials that are rough and smooth, warm and cold, wet and dry, hard and soft, and so on.

Furnishings like pillows, rugs, and textiles are soft and promote a feeling of security and belonging. Including plants, wood, and other natural materials adds complexity and intrigue, especially when used in unconventional ways.

Baskets provide wonderful texture. Using them to store materials, such as books, is an attractive way to organize that adds both dimension and warmth to your space.

Curious how to display the many treasures children find outside in nature? On this shelf, moss is placed on top of a mirror while bundles of pine needles lay on a large felt circle. When materials are displayed in an inviting way, children are encouraged to explore their properties. This supports the development of observational skills where children can begin to differentiate, categorize, and classify.

There are also countless sensory experiences that encourage exploration of texture…

What materials are you, or your children, most drawn to? Where is texture visible in your space?

Prop Boxes: Creating Imaginative Play Spaces

By Mariah Bruehl, 8th January 2014

Joey from Made by Joey is with us today to share a dose of inspiration for nurturing dramatic play with the children in our lives…

What are prop boxes?

Prop boxes are used by many preschool and Kindergarten teachers to create imaginative play and hands-on-learning opportunities in their classrooms. They are essentially a collection of items (or props) that suggest a specific theme and “set the stage” for a child’s imagination to engage in creative play.

How to make a prop box for your home.

Prop boxes can be coordinated for a variety of age groups. First of all decide on your “theme”, some examples might be: a doctor’s office, supermarket, traveling to India, deep sea diving, restaurant, dentist, health club, spaceship, pet store, hardware store, library, museum, pirate ship, shoe store or fire station.

Make a list of items that are used in the location you choose. Think of the small details that help define the space. Some examples for a doctor’s office might be:

– a telephone

– an appointment book and pencil

– a clock

– chairs for the waiting room

– magazines for the waiting room

– money or medical cards (make copies of your own)

– receipt book

– a white shirt for the doctor to wear

– a nurse hat

– medical bag with a red cross

– patients (dolls, stuffed toys)

– a stethoscope

– an eye chart

– fabric for slings

– cotton balls and swabs

– x-rays (b&w images printed on clear transparencies work well!)

– plastic medicine syringes

– plastic medicine measuring cups

– empty medicine bottles (washed)

– small paper water cups

– a “prescription” pad and pencil

– assorted sizes of bandages

– gauze (toilet paper works too!)

– scissors

– thermometer

– tongue depressor (if your child is old enough to handle one)

– magnifying glass

– tweezers

– examining bed

– small blankets or fabric to cover patients

– bathroom scale

– tape measure for measuring height

Presenting the above items should instantly spark imaginative play. Let the child set up the space while you watch from the sidelines. Depending on your child’s age, more learning opportunities will soon present themselves, such as:

– making signs for the reception area, waiting room and examining room

– making name tags (Dr. _____, _____ RN)

– tying slings

– applying bandages

– writing in the time of the appointment using the clock

– writing prescriptions for patients

– paying and writing receipts

– reading a thermometer, scale or tape measure

– answering the telephone

Watch where the play takes them.

Perhaps the play eventually moves from the doctor’s office to the patient`s home where they now receive homecare, get well soon cards and flowers from their friends. Or maybe the doctor has just announced that the patient is going to have a baby and they need to start preparing for the arrival of a new family member!

Try to include all of the senses.

To enhance the experience of a medical office even more you may:

– play music appropriate to your theme (waiting room music?!)

– at lunchtime cut the child’s sandwich with a gingerbread man shaped cookie cutter.

– introduce scents to the play (flowers brought to the sick patients)

Be ready to answer questions.

Imaginative play can often lead to the beginning of some great conversations with your child. A doctor`s office may bring up questions about their own bodies so a book on Body Science may be a good reference to have on hand! Or if you have had someone close to you receive bad news from a doctor recently, this may be the perfect opportunity to check in with your child about their feelings and answer any questions.

More tips about collecting supplies.

You will likely find that many of the items on your list you already have in your home in one form or another, but a few other places to look for specific supplies are Thrift Stores, yard sales or online stores. Visit the library or bookstore ahead of time to find story and reference books about the theme you are planning to set up.

Books on Prop Boxes…

These are a few of my personal favorites!

I hope these ideas spark an afternoon of fun for you and your child!

SaveSave

Designing Spaces for Children: Light

By Mariah Bruehl, 11th December 2013

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of natural light as it peeks through a window. The way it illuminates the surrounding area, marks the passage of time, and connects you to the natural world. Light is essential to all life and an important design element when creating spaces for children.

Have you ever noticed the way children explore shadows? The way they experiment with size, shape, angles, perspective…?

Light shapes our perception of things and its qualities are fascinating. Watching light as it moves, sparkles, and refracts, forming colors and shadows, naturally captures children’s interest and can act as inspiration.

So, in what ways can light be used when creating spaces for children?

Having a variety of light sources – natural light, overhead lighting, and table lamps – are a great place to start. Light tables, overhead projectors, and flashlights are also wonderful tools for exploring light. If you have windows in your space, are they free from clutter? Is light able to pass through?

Including materials like prisms, mirrors, and translucent objects such as colored cellophane, paddles, and flat marbles capture light and can support many types of curriculum. Are you studying animal habitats? How about creating a play scene using small animals with flat marbles and stones on a light table?

Penumbra, Jean Shin, broken umbrellas and thread, 2003

Inspiration is all around us. This art installation was created by Jean Shin, an artist based in New York City who stitched together fabric from broken umbrellas.

Penumbra, Jean Shin, broken umbrellas and thread, 2003

Notice how light moves through the material and creates shadows on the ground.

Penumbra, Jean Shin, broken umbrellas and thread, 2003

How do you use light in your space with children? Where do you find inspiration?

Sign-Up Now!

For more inspiration on creating spaces for children, check out our Playful Learning Spaces Workshop.

Start: November 4, 2014

End: November 21, 2014

To register, click here.