Play Area Suggestions
Quite often I get messages from members asking what I suggest they put up in their play areas to help facilitate their child's learning. I decided to put up this blog with a few suggestions on how you can create an enticing play area for your child without buying much of anything at all, and some important tips to keep things organized and safe!
*As an example I'd like to share a photo of my son's play area in his livingroom. It is one of a few in our house including a large motor area in the basement, and his bedroom play area. The Q & A style article below talks about the different elements here.
PLAY AREA IDEAS AND THOUGHTS
Q. What is the purpose of creating centers--why not just push toys up against the wall or put them in a toy chest?
A.When toys are in a toy chest, they are hidden away. Many times kids will create a gigantic mess just to get to the one toy they wanted, which ofcourse, was at the bottom! For this reason, I'm not a big fan. I don't mind having toys out on display because it actually keeps an area cleaner in the end, and looks better, all while teaching children better organizational skills and care while cleaning up after their toys.
So, why not push the toys up against the wall? Well, that's great for a large motor area. But for an area with centers and or limited space, it's definitely a bad idea for toddlers. Open space=running space. If you'd like to create a play sanctuary for your child that they will play in, and not just run wild like a monkey in, then you might want to consider adding some interest by creating centers, or themed "nooks". Not only does it look more attractive but it really does help create focus in certain areas, while the child is playing. The goal is to break up the room with toys and shelves in a way that prevents excess running but never impedes your view of the child for safety.
Q. Should I cover the walls in posters and learning materials?
A. No. Some is great--too much will be overstimulating to your child. Think minimal when it comes to wall hangings, posters, etc.
Q. What are "centers", and how can I create them?
A. Centers are themed learning areas. In my son's play area, I created an area to use manipulatives and blocks (the corner table), a transportation area (the rug area which contains a transportation rug, climb on driving toys, and buckets of transportation toys), a dramatic play area (the shelf which contains play pirate ship, plastic container full of play figures, puppets, etc.), and a large motor section on the opposing side of the shelf which has scooters, push lawn mower toy, tunnel for crawling through, and a ball pit.
Also pictured is his felt board, which is currently a transportation theme. I change it every month or so for something new.
Because my son is only 15 months old, the centers are very basic. His room is very similiar although he has different centers there--a reading area, a science area on his little desk, etc.
We've also created a "book nook" in the living room for our son so that he can relax and read while we relax on the couches. He uses this area very often!
OTHER PLAY ROOM IDEAS:
-Floor space is learning space too! If you aren't afraid to try it, masking tape on the floor can be fashioned into a road to drive cars on. Or, perhaps just a shape to walk along, like a straight line for example! It's great exercise to help your toddler balance on this line and serves as an opportunity to really imagine wonderful things. ("We're walking on a tight rope now!!!")
I like to put shapes on the floor and I use them in many different ways. To stand on, or to place objects on, to sort shapes with, etc.!
-Get creative and use the element of surprise. Plan ahead and know that you will be most succesful in creating a new area for your child while they sleep at night and not while they are awake during the day, LOL! It is so much fun for them to be surprised in their play area the next day. Make a tent area by draping scarves, or a "cooking" area on a small table.
-Change themes often, or add new items.
-Add seasonal items to your child's play area. We remember to do this with our decorations, but no so much our child's toys--and often, the child isn't allowed to play with the seasonal things they covet with all their heart.:)
Try something new and you can't lose! By taking some time to create a learning environment for your child, you are taking the most positive step in preparing them for preschool, and "big kid" school.
