07/14/2025
What’s here and why?
1.) Shelves that allow books and toys to be easily accessible and displayed.
2.) Appropriately sized play table and chairs.
3.) Intentionally picked materials that foster learning.
4.) Soft rug that defines the space.
5.) Natural lighting.
Reading 📖
Pick books that are loved and known and mix in new ones that would be fun to explore. This method works well for children who love that same book over and over - but are open to and ready for new ones.
Writing ✍️
Crayons that the child can hold and blank paper are the best precursors to writing later. At this stage there will be up & down marks - circular motions - all developmentally appropriate and fun for kids to make.
Music 🎶
Having easy to hold instruments and noise makers allow the child to express themselves and learn how those wonderful dancing songs are made. Music is therapeutic in nature and can calm, excite, and foster a sense of creativity in young children.
ART 🖼️
Play doh out at all times? Yes! Those fine motor skills are a must for young children and if we as adults model appropriate use of play doh & paint - children will learn how to engage with messy play. We have it out at all times.
Science 🧬
Magna-tiles are an enduring, engaging, and open ended type of material/toy that we know will last for years to come. Dinosaurs 🦖 figurines help encourage that imaginative play - but those can be rotated with interests. These tiles can be houses, cities, castles, anything the mind envisions.
Dramatic Play 🎭
The small house and figures allow for lots of imagination and the keys attached to the house allow pratice for young hands to learn those practical life skills.
Math 🧮
The counting bears not only encourage learning counting, but sorting and dramatic play as well. Are there bear families? Let’s read Goldilocks next!
It’s imperative to rotate toys as interests change. I rotate toys for 1-5 year olds every 3 months. Toy rotation is key to independent play and allows children to learn & grow.
