It’s been almost two years since we first set up and organized a playful learning space in our main living area, the writing centre and atelier. It still remains a special nook in our home for our children (and their friends), to independently play, learn and create.

In these two years, some things have not changed: our home is still small; this space still accommodates for up to four children comfortably.

In these two years, some things have changed. We’ve moved tables around, moved bookcases around, bought a new cabinet for storage, tried different combinations of tables and chairs, left out different resources and materials for children to use in this playful learning space, etc.

If you are setting up a writing centre or atelier in your home, here are five organizing tips from us:

1. Try to keep things readily available. Equip children to be autonomous and independent learners. Provide them with the tools they need to play, explore and express themselves – without them having to ask you for permission to do so. Set up the space to encourage children to take charge of their own learning. Provide opportunities for children to lead their own learning.

2. Value the art of display. Give an impression of a well cared for physical environment. Taking care and giving attention to the things within a space, and the things done within that space is the opposite of indifference. Promote curiosity and wonder. Include inviting materials, striking products and visual stories of learning by children.

3. Consider placing a computer in the area. The computer has become a great resource for playful learning in our home. There are so many helpful educational online resources that open up a world of investigations and discussions. Our favourite educational online resource at the moment is BrainPop Jr. From an organisational and safety point of view, I find it particularly helpful that the computer is in a central part of the home that can be easily seen. I can see and hear what they are doing at any given time, when they are on the computer. Even if I am in the kitchen preparing a meal, or cleaning up after a meal, (which feels like a good part of my day!), I can see what my children are seeing on the computer monitor, and hear what my children are hearing.

4. Some tools and resources to consider for a playful learning space: various containers for materials; printer; digital camera; play dough; clay; wires of different thicknesses; play dough / clay tools; tape recorder; microscope; easels for painting; different colours, consistencies and shades of paint for painting;  different materials to paint with; recycled and discarded materials; loose parts to create and play with; different colours, thicknesses and textures of paper and cardboard to create with; different types of books and pages to write on; various displays for a print rich environment.

5. Less is best. Oh… so much easier said than done. I find it so hard to cull resources, so I try to be fussy about what I put on display and what is available for children to use. My art and resources cupboard in our garage however… that’s a different story.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment; I’d love to hear from you. If you are new here, you might like to receive updates direct to your email. We have many fun ideas to share.

The post Organizing Tips for Playful Learning Spaces by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

With Miss K sitting on my hip in her sling for most of the party, I snapped some pictures when I could.

[gridly layout=”21212121″ captions=”off” gutter=”3px”]

[/gridly]

As a mother of three sons before Miss K, I indulged in a bit of lace and all things pretty. Our guests were incredibly kind and came a bit dressy – a bit of lace, beautiful accessories, collared shirts, hats and there were a few bow ties.

The day was an intimate and relaxed affair. The kids played and the adults sat, ate and chatted.

I spent a week making and decorating Miss K’s cake. I had to bake the three layered cake, then mask and ice the cake, and make the flowers and bunny using gum-paste and fondant. As some or our guests had food allergies, I also made some nut free, gluten free, dairy free and egg free cupcakes using the Deliciously Free Mud Cake mix. Both were devoured. I am glad I took plenty of photos beforehand.

The kids were so excited about drinking milk out of old-school glass milk bottles… (and the parents were keen to take pictures as they drank!). This may be showing my age, but I remember, as a child, the milk man delivering milk to our door every day in glass milk bottles. Seems like an age ago now.

Miss K has brought so much joy into our family. Whenever I see her, I just want to scoop her up into my arms and smother her with a thousand kisses and hugs. Miss K’s Vintage Inspired 1st Birthday Party was pretty special. (For one – – – pink was involved!)

I loved the day and even more so as I see photos of our dear friends and family. It does takes a village to raise a child, and we have been blessed with such a kind village.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment; I’d love to hear from you. If you are new here, you might like to subscribe to our RSS feed or receive updates direct to your email. We have many fun ideas to share.

The post Party: Vintage Inspired by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

 
When my family is separated by distance, there is an innate feeling that something is amiss; there’s a yearning to be closer. Perhaps it’s because in our current stage of life, proximity to each other is just a state of being. (Miss K practically lived on my hip her first year of life).

 
Our home has been described in many ways; cosy, practical and functional being my favourites. We, (four kids, two adults) live in a three bedroom home.

 
Our three boys share a bedroom. We had their beds custom made. There aren’t that many triple bunk beds available at the shops, and as we found out after many weeks of shopping, to find one that fits the measurements of their room was impossible.

 
They love the stairs that leads to the top bunk.

 
They love their superheroes.

 
They love their fairy lights.

 
No matter how many fights they’ve had with each other, as each day draws to a close, they say their prayers together. Together, they blow their goodnight kisses to Miss K. Tucked under their blankets, they all rest together.

 
As their mother, I hope that proximity in these formative years will forge a strong brotherly bond; one that will help them through the rest of their days.

The post Kids Beds for Small Spaces: A Bedroom for Three by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

 
“Just How Much is a Picture Book Worth?” by My Little Bookcase was one of those posts. Here’s the beautifully made clip that made me see picture books in a whole new light.

Birth of a Book from Glen Milner on Vimeo.

My Little Bookcase has collaborated with 12 of Australia’s finest picture book illustrators to produce a beautiful and unique calendar, An Illustrated Year. It features 12 exclusive illustrations.

I have a copy of An Illustrated Year and trust me, the calendar is gorgeous!

By purchasing your An Illustrated Year calendar, you are also spreading charity and cheer this holiday season. A proportion of sales is being donated directly to the work of the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF). ALNF helps marginalised children learn to read and write.

Head on over to My Little Bookcase to purchase your An Illustrated Year calendar now.

November 2012

The post For Picture Book Lovers: An Illustrated Year by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.