Learning Center 1: Building Blocks

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Remember my whole frustration with the “learning through play” concept?  And my subsequent challenge to find the purpose through play by making a round through Learning Centers?

Well, the first stop in the challenge was the Block Center.  You can read more about it over at The Homeschool Village today…

Bulletin Boards

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I was figuring the only place we’d see snow for the rest of the winter would be on our bulletin board, but we were pleasantly surprised with a light dusting this morning.


It disappeared too quickly to do anything fun – but it reminded me that I wanted to post a picture of that snowy bulletin board:

Umm – this photo WAS taken in January, hence the calendar.  Honestly.

The board has been displaced by this amazing batik – which has been waiting patiently to be put up in Esmé’s room since our return from Mozambique.

This thing is huge – the photo doesn’t quite do it justice.  It’s longer than the length of the bed.  And I love it!

Back to the snowy bulletin board.  I loved having a spot to stick our memory verse, calendar, and whatever songs etc we might be working on, as well as display a little of her artwork.  Definitely a significant learning space.  I seriously need to find a new spot for it – it keeps getting knocked over in its precarious lean-to transition camp across from the bathroom…  We are all about interior planning and design at our tiny house, if you know what I mean.

Here’s Esmé painting snow dots for the backdrop:


And we both practiced cutting out snowflakes from coffee filters.  Esmé was very sad to see these stapled up, since she wanted to hug and baby them a little longer:


And I love these paper chain snowmen!  Esmé gave each and every one of them a cheery smile after I cut them out for her…

February’s Fantastic Finds

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Last week I briefly mentioned secondhand stores as a spot for fantastic finds.  Just thought I’d give an illustration this week…

Here’s a pop-up play tent we recently found at a Goodwill.  It’s big enough for Mom and a passel of animals to fit in for summer tea parties and story sessions.  And the color and design – it’s just so “Esmé-y” – pretty classy by Disney Princess standards, I think.

We’re looking forward to using this very inexpensive “learning space” this summer…

For more fantastic finds, visit The Homeschool Village.

Learning Spaces

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Project update:  this coffee table still serves as the primary learning space in our house…

Now, it’s kind of sweet to be able to relax and lounge in the living room eating bonbons and watching soaps while my daughter is hard at work on her learning – and I shall enjoy the moments while I have them.  But – I am rather looking forward to the day when the schoolhouse is finished and I can clear off and use that beautiful table for its intended purpose…

In the meantime, I thought I’d introduce you to another site, Playful Learning, which I absolutely love for its creative learning space ideas and (links to other sites).

Here’s a writing center:

And a birdwatching station – how sweet and simple is that?

Learning Spaces

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Well, it's Thursday, time for another regular episode of "Learning Spaces."

Oh? You didn't know we had regular episodes here? Of anything?  Well, um...  You must be like, really new?  Because I KNOW I've mentioned a regular posting schedule at least once or twice, and I KNOW I've tried to follow it.  For a couple of days, at least.

I'm sort of overextended.  And I'm afraid that's just a flaw of my personality, though I keep believing it'll change.  Unrealistic optimism is a flaw of my personality, too.

Moving on to - what was it again?  Right!  Learning Spaces.  Well, our schoolhouse isn't done yet.  I've thought of naming it "Castle in Progress," you know - home of the little Princess in Progress?  CIP for short - though that'll make me think of financial statements every time I see it.  That building is sort of on hold for my husband's work to slow down, so I guess it's a good sign that it's not done yet...

But I won't leave you completely empty-handed today.  As I've done for many weeks past.

Here's a very cool post over at Holy Experience called "Best Ways to Organize a Classroom."  Look at the photos and drool... 

I admit the first time I saw it, the green-eyed monster came out.  I started asking questions like, "Where is the STUFF?  You know - all the STUFF - the supplies and the papers and the STUFF you need for school?  All the BOOKS that don't fit on the shelves in such a nice pretty way?  It's just too pretty!  Too clean!  Too minimalist to be functional!"

And I know - our school will NEVER look like that.  I will NEVER own a manual typewriter.  Amongst other things.  And I'm going for bright pinks and greens, not naturals.

Yet I LOVE the photos.  They make me dream.  Think of what our school can be.  Realize that it will be an experience, not just a room, place, event.

So thanks, Ann Voskamp.  We will never be you, but you've made me think about what I love about my own family - and the things I want to emphasize in our learning atmosphere.

That link again?  Best Ways to Organize a Homeschool Classroom

Learning Spaces/Giveaway: Science Centers

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Esmé's Mom here.

It has been raining and raining and raining here.  I am REALLY ready for summer to actually arrive so we can enjoy all these daylight hours.  In the meantime, we're just wanting to cuddle up under blankets rather than face the downpour and get the schoolhouse roof done...

This week we're focusing on science centers.  If you've been following our blog's Motion, Matter, Mitosis, and Me feature, you know we put a big emphasis on science.  I've drooled over centers like this one at Whimsical Ways - if only I had the space for such a thing!

So I was very excited to see this Modular Science Center at Guidecraft!  It's got four science units that compactly fit on top of each other, as well as a mobile base with casters so we can move it around easily.

And we've got it set up in our tiny little house!  It's stationed right by Esmé's bed, where she can engage with it on her own terms, and we move it out into the hallway when we want to focus on one of the units.

Before going on, let me say that this arrived very compactly packed and far sooner than I thought it would - I was quite impressed.  It was fairly easy to put together.  We used a cordless screwdriver to screw the casters onto the base, but the package included everything else needed for assembly.  Sturdy, light, and easy to move around - just what I was looking for.

Let's take a tour, shall we?  Since we're doing a unit study on whales at the moment, we set it up with a beach/ocean type of theme.  Here it is in the hall, with Esmé and lamb taking a close look at the beach scene in the habitat unit.


Nothing live in there (yet), but we've got plans!  This works great for dioramas, etc.  Caution:  It can get a little messy if you put sand in.  (We used corn meal to look like sand - since we haven't gotten to the beach yet.)


Moving on to the plant and grow unit - we're saving the actual plants for winter, when we don't have to take care of the plants in the yard!  In the meantime, it works great as a sensory tub.  And I've got a great idea for an earthworm farm, too.


For now, we've filled it with glass rocks, shells, plastic fish, and water...  Maybe some live seaweed or algae would complete it!


Here's a another favorite (actually, they are all favorites) - the magnifier unit.  It makes EVERYTHING big! Esmé checked a bunch of her stuffed animals with it.


We've set up rocks and shells for closer investigation under the magnifier.


And finally, the touch and see unit, with a hand opening on one side, and acrylic view panel on the other.  So you can start by feeling the object and trying to guess what it is, and then look at it from the other side.


For the touch and see unit, we started with a big shell and some sandpaper.  And had lots more fun changing the items around and making Mom guess!


Are we pleased with the product?  Absolutely!  The delivery, the quality, the portability, the fun, and the learning opportunities make for a terrific addition to our learning space.

Guidecraft has a full line educational toys and furniture that would be terrific for your child's learning space!  Head on over and take a look...

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Guess what?!  Guidecraft is sponsoring a giveaway for one of you, too!  One reader will win a Modular Science Center.

Mandatory entry:

• Visit Guidecraft, then comment here with another product you absolutely love!

Additional entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):

• Follow Guidecraft on Twitter (www.twitter.com/Guidecraft) 
• Fan Guidecraft on Facebook (www.facebook.com/guidecraft) 
• Follow Guidecraft's Blog (http://guidecrafttoys.blogspot.com/)
• Subscribe or follow Mozi Esmé
• Blog about or tweet about this contest (leave a link in your comment)

US entries only.  You have until June 19 to enter.  Winner will be randomly drawn and notified via email, so make sure I have a way to contact you.   

Thanks to Guidecraft for providing two Modular Science Centers:  one for our review and one for the giveaway.

Learning Spaces/Giveaway: Choices

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It started raining again... But much of the roofing DID get done!

I've been researching schoolroom colors. Do you know there are studies to support just about ANY color you want to use?

First, there's the mood-color concept. Bright colors are energizing and inspiring, soft colors are calming and studious, that sort of thing. That seems pretty straightforward - now I just have to decide what type of atmosphere we really want.

But when international studies were done, it was found that this mood association is learned, not universal. Hmmmm... That would explain why schools look different around the world.

And then there are the feng shui color concepts...

And you've got to consider the weather, too. Orange in a warm sunny location will be agitating, while it will be cheerful in a location that rains much of the year.

One study is adamant that almond is the absolute best color. Others suggest that you use different colors in different areas to correspond to the activities there.

(By the way, I did appreciate this article at DesignShare. It supports the concept that "All colors are good." Kids love color - a variety of color.)

What to do?!

So I decided to call in the REAL expert. "Esmé, what color do you want YOUR schoolhouse to be?" 

"PINK!"

So pink it is. Though I'm using my mommy executive powers a little. I want bright white walls (design faux pas according to some, design genius according to others), with bright pink and spring green as theme colors. Nothing is set in stone yet, but that's where we're heading.

And that's what I love about this homeschool space - it is Esmé's!  I want it to be a room she is drawn to, so her input is extremely important...

As much as reasonable, I want the choices to be hers.

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Meet Fuzzle, a recent acquisition to our house...  and the personal choice of Miss Esmé.

Fuzzle is part of a collection of unique Corner Art wooden wall decor designed to sit on corner molding without hooks, hangers, or nails!  Each one has a unique child's rhyme on the back.

Faith was another favorite of Esmé's - isn't she sweet? 

And wouldn't you love to have this verse hidden on your little girl's door frame?

With our African background, I was excited to learn that Corner Art began at a girls' home in South Africa.  It stemmed out of a mission to teach the girls a craft they could sell at the tourist market.  And now the Corner Art business donates 5% of all profits to help children have homes.

Esmé has fallen in love with Fuzzle...  Take a look around at Corner Art's catalog and let your child choose his or her favorite to fall in love with!

GIVEAWAY!

Corner Art is giving away corner art critters to three lucky readers!  To enter to win one of three:

1. Visit Corner Art.  Then comment here with which design the child in your life would choose if you won.
2. If you're a follower or subscriber here, leave a second comment for a second entry.
3. For a third entry, leave a comment telling me what color YOU would paint a learning space, and why.

US entries only.  Entries accepted through 6/3/10. Winners will be randomly chosen.

Thanks to Corner Art for providing the review and giveaway products.

Learning Spaces: Do You, or Don't You?

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It's spring! And it's not raining for a few days! That means this little 200 sq ft schoolhouse that's been boarded up all winter has now been uncovered, and work is happening! All those ideas that were put on hold are twirling and swirling around in my head again! Somebody, grab the butterfly net!  Seriously, how often do you get to design the perfect little schoolroom?

Anyway, back when this construction project first started, I googled and looked everywhere for design/decor ideas for a homeschool room.  And I have to admit I was disappointed.

Most of the school rooms I saw were rather bland.  A couple of desks or a table, charts covering the walls, and a bookshelf in the corner.  The "organizational" aspect seemed to be far more important than the actual environment - so I saw lots of photos of cupboards and filing cabinets and workboxes.  Great ideas, but nothing that struck me as "This is exactly what I want!"

What was far more saddening to me, however, was an almost snobbish attitude among many that "WE don't need a schoolroom."  Or if we have one, "we only use it for STORAGE."  Because learning happens through real life, you know.  Not in a classroom.  Or "We do our work at the kitchen table!  It's the CENTER of our universe!"  And my favorite:  "The WORLD is our classroom."

Granted, learning happens through real life.  But won't a child learn best in an environment tailored to his learning needs?  In a space where he personally feels comfortable and inspired?  Where there are "real-living" tools at the child's level and there is an environment where she can learn and discover and establish independence at her pace?

Now, I completely understand limited space issues - we're living with those right now!  And everything happens at the coffee table in our living room.  But there are things you can do, even with a limited space, to stimulate and promote learning.  We'll be looking at some of those in this Learning Spaces series.

Off my soapbox for now.  Here are a few spaces I liked:

• Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter
• Not the Best Mommy on the Planet
• HGTV Homeschool Cool
• Embracing Home
• Less Of Me ~ More Of Him
• Mommy Matters

 And I appreciated this balanced article:

• Where Do You Homeschool?

What about you?  Do you have a dedicated learning space for your child?  I'm still looking for ideas!