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.

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.