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Creating Children's Spaces That Teach
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
When winter comes and we can't just send out children out to play when they proclaim boredom, we may find ourselves stumped at how to keep them happily occupied. More indoor play also means more messes for us to clean up. Which means that creating an effective children's space indoors becomes very important.
A deliberate and well-organized space for kids not only looks and works well, but becomes a teacher in itself. Which means more interested and interesting children. Which means more self-initiated play and clean up. Which is nice for us, too. A deliberate child's space incorporates as many of these principles as possible:
1. Pare down the toys, keep it simple.
2. Provide toys that can grow with the child.
3. Minimize or eliminate one-function or electronic toys.
4. Create stations of play to move around in.
5. Keep toys low and accessible.
6. Edit when necessary as the child matures.
7. Follow their interests through their play materials.
Get ideas from the great kids' spaces below. And for more specific help tailored to your needs, feel free to ask on the comment board below!
A deliberate and well-organized space for kids not only looks and works well, but becomes a teacher in itself. Which means more interested and interesting children. Which means more self-initiated play and clean up. Which is nice for us, too. A deliberate child's space incorporates as many of these principles as possible:
1. Pare down the toys, keep it simple.
2. Provide toys that can grow with the child.
3. Minimize or eliminate one-function or electronic toys.
4. Create stations of play to move around in.
5. Keep toys low and accessible.
6. Edit when necessary as the child matures.
7. Follow their interests through their play materials.
Get ideas from the great kids' spaces below. And for more specific help tailored to your needs, feel free to ask on the comment board below!
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This space merges great design with functionality—an ideal combo in a child's environment. Children change and grow constantly, and so will their spaces. Here, low cabinets and shelving makes materials accessible to small children, reserving the taller shelving for older children or parents.
by Beach Vintage
»
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Studies have shown that how we set up a room actually inhibits or encourages growth and creativity.
A space can be small and simple and still fabulous for children. This corner provides a play surface, a place for floor play and comfortable seating.
A space can be small and simple and still fabulous for children. This corner provides a play surface, a place for floor play and comfortable seating.
Here, a child can easily go between different areas of the room for different kinds of play.
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Whether a comfortable bed, a hideout, or a reading corner, creating a distinct literacy center and providing easily accessible books can encourage kids of any age to read more. Yes, even teenagers.
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A pleasant nursery like this, with moderate stations and great organization, begins to teach even the youngest learner to access play on their own.
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Low and organized and easy to understand.
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| A shared room may seem too chaotic to keep deliberate, yet this room show how even small additions such as a reading corner and desk can work wonders and look great. |
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| When possible, create an open art station where children can grab supplies and create whenever they wish. For younger children, keep out less permanent objects like washable markers and pipe cleaners, and get paints down when necessary. |
by Christie Thomas
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This wonderful wall of play keeps things organized and accessible as well as inviting and beautiful.
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Here everything seems to be on the child's level without looking too juvenile.
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| A fun array of toys without being too over-the-top. Contrary to what one may thing, more toys can inhibit a child's ability to focus and hone in. Keep it simple. |
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Simple, elegant, calming.
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The concept of slipping a grown-up area into a play area can allow everyone to work together.
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A simple private space with great materials and room for great play.
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And when all elements are in place? Remember to add the magic.
Ideabook updated on Oct. 25, 2010.
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