How did one mom create a play space that works? Well, in the September/October issue of Wondertime Magazine, Emily tells us that she took her greatest inspiration from the preschool where her son had attended. Following the Reggio Emilia educational approach, that kids learn the most from firsthand experiences, she began by dividing her room into separate areas for each activity, just the way a preschool does.
Lots of pillows and a display case for books created the reading area.
A felt board with a construciton theme and plenty of bins for trucks and blocks form the "Construction Zone."
Yes, kids love pretending. Lots of preschools have dress up areas, so why shouldn't you have one in your play space?
A kitchen area consists of a low bookshelf with a stovetop on top and a curtain to hide dishes below.
Check out the full article for product info and a few other play area ideas. Is there an area Emily left out? Let us know!
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Comments (2)
We've done the same in our teeny-tiny 650 sq ft apartment. We have an art space, "cooking" area, dress-up corner, and building zone. We also have a magnetic board with letters in our hallway and a doll-house nook. Finally, we have separate reading areas for English and Spanish (basically, our "big" bed is the reading area, but my nightstand houses Spanish-language books and the English-language books are on the other side).
Oh good lord. Is that dried pasta in that play table? That violates my roach-avoidance sensibilities. Maybe in a northern climate, but not here in bug land. Otherwise, cute!