Terra - Materials and space

These frames are suspended above the cots and provide a curious collection for the children to look at while drifting off to dream time. I like the use of frames and I assume the materials on the frames could be changed.

This one is another idea using everyday materials in plastic bags and suspending them up high above the children.

Small glass bottles on string

lights - like what we could get from TYPO - suspended above the children

Another way to use the Christmas decorations all year round...sparkly and interesting for the children and function as a divider and bring the space down.

In the room with the newborn children there are mats with low mobiles for the children when having floor time. The teachers are on the floor lying down with the children.

Indoor spaces

The space is arranged to make the materials available to children and support the organisation of materials when children are ready to move on.

Baskets are attractive and things are clearly labeled

I thought these were interesting - I was not sure what they were at first and then I worked it out. 

The crayons indicate the number of people able to be in this space when things start to implode. Often the reason for conflict comes for space issues so if the children are unable to resolve the conflict and work it out, the they need to negotiate who is able to stay in the space - often having to identify someone to leave is enough for them to work it out.

Indoor spaces

Creating rooms in the space for children to play

Using furniture to create boundaries - there are lots of toys and resources available to children.

Each room is self sufficient to enable teachers to engage in cultural activities like domestic responsibilities with children. The children scrape their plates and put them in the dishwasher and snacks are available. Food is provided and prepared in the kitchen - the kitchenette works well to keep the flow of spaces going and not take teachers away from children.

Environment - University and Community Early Learning Centre

Neutral tones and baskets to present order in the space

Using light 

Funky frames with the child and their family around the classroom

Looking back down the classroom - quite like the green paint on the walls - catches the natural light really well

Of course I am drawn to this...weaving...felting...hmmmm...missing my studio right now

How amazing are these children and their teachers??

More photographs from University and Community Early Learning Centre

 The children have their 3D constructions on display for the family information evening

Below is one of the classrooms

 Setting the table

 Natural materials and neutral tones

 Props for dressing up and pretend play

 Gem stones on the wire - suspended from the ceiling

 Bringing the space down to meet the children

The presentation of the environment here is very important to invite children to be curious in spaces and play

Grant MacEwan ELCC - Fabric and wood chunks

When I arrived in the toddler room at the centre, there has been a bug going around so water and sand is out until the team is sure it is gone. As an alternative, the teachers set up a block rim, lined it with a fitted sheet (1.5mx1.5m square) and filled it with fabric strips and wood chunks. The inner fabricaholic was distracted by this cool idea.

I have some of the fabric samples and a sketch of the idea...I want one of these too. Children were exploring the fabrics in lots of different ways.

The fabrics are in 4-5cm wide strips of fabric across the width of the fabric. Part of me wanted to 'acquire' some for projects of my own...

Town of Beaumont ELCC - Textiles and other cool stuff

The denim pockets are mounted on the walls for children to store special things....I liked this idea too

 Take a peep inside...

 Here the children have a tractor - safety is a big thing over here in Canada hence the mats around the tractor - for all you farmers out there - this is a John Deere one.

 A teacher at the centre made these ramps and the 'road markings' are denim painted with yellow midlines...this would be a good place for me to practice driving the Canadian way.

 I love this frayed and cellotaped road....

Town of Beaumont ELCC - Fairyland

I really liked this too - tucked away on the floor against the wall...

 Another micro environment - this one for the fairies...

 I like the thought that has gone into this space for the fairies....seats, tables, stairs and flowers

Town of Beaumont ELCC - Micro Environments

I love these micro habitats and could think of many of you back home that will be making these as soon as you see them. The teachers are inspired by the ideas on Pinterest and construct these to respond to the children interests and learning. These photos are taken from three of the rooms at the centre - while each room is unique, there are some threads that are evident through the spaces. Access to natural materials is being increasingly introduced and the majority of materials are natural.

 Gotta love this perspective below - seems life size and this is the view of the 4-5 year olds in this room - how inviting is this???

 Multi level apartment living for the creatures that inhabit this space

 Platforms for adventures - opportunities for social encounters

  How cool is this below? - I looked at Mary Lynne and said "I want one of these" - I am building one when I get home.

 Took lots of angle shots so you (and I) can see how it was constructed. I really really want one of these in our office. I might even be able to cope if it is not pink!!!

 These rocks below are painted with characters and features to support the play and presented to the children in this tray....the teacher called them 'Story rocks'

The props represent the various cultural experiences children encounter and provide materials to support oral story telling...camp fire, bus, grapes and many others. I love this idea of the rocks being painted to enable the children to play out their working theories and social worlds. 

 But wait....there's more!!! A teacher or teachers were responsible for making these character and props....A snowboarder....totally relevant for Canada!!! I so want my own sets of these too!!!

 Action superheroes...

 Star Wars!!!...and there were lots more too. Rocks painted as 'Rock Monsters' and 'bugs'. The bugs idea links to one of my next posts. I have to spread these cool environments out across a few posts.