Recently I started to dedicate a set up at the large tables for loose parts play using a mix of materials. I wanted to invite children into the room by setting up play invitations (using data from observations), provocations and simple set ups with unexpected materials. Initially the children bypassed the loose parts set up and chose familiar sensory and art like drawing, collage, painting and play doh but once the loose parts set up became a familiar part of their morning table play they began to explore and create. I wondered how the children would use the materials and noticed that they added the dome lights to the tops of blocks, placed felt balls and hung strings of beads with care. The ribbons were wound around the lights and through the napkin rings. Now the loose parts morning table set ups have become a valued and creative part of our mornings. Some children have begun to use play schemas like enclosure and positioning with these smaller loose parts....

A benefit of working two mornings a week is that I have the joy of visiting JK and K rooms, working with educators to create calm and creative classroom environments. As you may know this is something I love to do - work with educators to create spaces that they love to work in and that works for children. These spaces are created for children with intention and knowledge for the age and developmental levels.  I have made a small list of the elements that I have been using in classrooms: 1.     Reduce visual clutter and create space in the room for the eyes to rest. We know from research that the child's brain is calmed by restful and warm environments (as is mine). 2.     Think of the classroom as flexible play zones. If a zone is popular create duplicates of a zone like construction, sensory and art to encourage smaller play groups. Make sure that you have all of the needs: writing, math, story, games, construction, creativity, social.... 3.     Repl......