Playful Learning Spaces

I am eagerly awaiting the second segment of the Playful Learning Spaces e-course that I am taking part in and I wanted to fill you in on week one. There was a lot of information and I will only be able to touch on some highlights but it may be enough to get you excited about beginning to create simple and beautiful spaces for your children to play and learn. 

The first three things that Mariah encouraged us in were these: first,  to create spaces that allow our children independent access to the play materials of their choosing and that same ability to easily put them away when finished.  Second, noticing the amount of time and attention that our children give to various playthings.  The longer the amount of time, the more that we can tell that this item is a good developmental match for where they are at.  Third, helping our children develop habits of the heart and mind.   In other words, inviting them to engage in activities that are meaningful and relevant to their lives.  This can mean having materials readily available and attractively displayed for reading, writing, science and art. 

Here are a few more tidbits: 

Create interestingspaces and your children will come.  This doesn't mean one play room in the house but rather little nooks throughout with a small basket or area of interesting things for them to explore.  Our children want to be near to us.  Displaying our children's things in a beautiful manner promotes concentration and refreshes the tired spirit.  Items in crystal, glass, and china teach our children to appreciate an care for things.  Plastic, on the other hand teaches that there is no consequences to their actions. 

You probably already own many of the things you need to make great little areas for your kids.  Look at the things you already own with new perspective.

The hardest principle of all - LESS IS BEST.  The things that you keep will be played with far more.  Provide easy access to shelves. containers, etc. and let bins or baskets each house one activity.  Set them up for success in being able to care for the few, quality items that our theirs.

I don't know you, but these little pieces of wisdom left me fully inspired.  I have spent this last week thinking through thoughtfully laid out spaces and intentionally chosen playthings.  I would love to hear your pieces of wisdom as well. 

What are your thoughts on all of this?  Do you find it silly and overly thought through or time-worthy and important?

{images via Mariah's Pintrest}

Comments

[Anna]

I find this completely inspirational, and in line with my opinions on parenting and play. As we wait the long months for our little one to come home to us from Korea, I love thinking about how to create a life for them that will engage and release their gifts and potential while also teaching and instructing in the lessons of life.

[Rachel]

I find this to be so lovely and wonderful. I could not agree more. My toddler always seems happiest with just a few toys -- like at his grandparents' house or even in a waiting room with one or two trucks. True those are a novelty, but just in general his focus and concentation is so much better when he brings one toy say into our bedroom and really explores it rather than being submerged in tons of "stuff" in his (even though compared to everyone I know we have very few toys, which is really terrifying, because I think there are so many).