admin – WonderHouse of Littles https://wonderhouseoflittles.com Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:25:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-logo-32x32.png admin – WonderHouse of Littles https://wonderhouseoflittles.com 32 32 The Quiet Shift Into the Second Plane of Development https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/the-quiet-shift-into-the-second-plane-of-development/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/the-quiet-shift-into-the-second-plane-of-development/#respond Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:52:41 +0000 https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/?p=11922

The Quiet Shift Into the Second Plane

My daughter just turned seven.

As I reflect on this past year, I can see clearly how it was a milestone.

It is when you begin to see it. The effort you poured into the early years…the connection, the co-regulation, the boundaries, the protection of play — it begins to show.

Not in a dramatic, overnight transformation. But in something quieter.

A calmer more capable child. Regulation skills starting to emerge. More independence. More creativity and curiosity than ever.  And the conversations — they go deeper.

You can feel the foundation you built in those early years.

 

The Shift

 

In Montessori terms, this is the transition from the first plane of development (0–6) into the second plane (6–12).

And it’s not just a birthday. It’s a developmental shift.

The first plane is the age of absorption. Children are building themselves — their movement, their language, their sense of order, their independence. It’s the stage of: “Help me do it myself.”

The second plane is different. Now they want to think. To reason. To question. To understand the why behind everything. Now it becomes: “Help me understand.”

And you feel it.

 

The Social World Expands

 

The second-plane child turns outward. Friendships matter more. Group belonging matters more.  Peer relationships take center stage. Comparison starts to take a toll emotionally. Free play — real, imaginative, unstructured play — becomes social and expansive.

And this is the part I see so many parents unintentionally crowd out. Because six looks capable. Six looks ready. Six looks mature.

So we overschedule. We introduce more tech. We prioritize performance over play. We expect more regulation from our ‘big kids’.

But this stage still needs space. And tenderness.

Free play is still building:

  • emotional regulation
  • problem-solving
  • creativity
  • social intelligence
  • resilience

The work isn’t finished. It’s evolving.

“But this stage still needs space. And tenderness.”

The early years are about planting. The years that follow are about watching it grow.

When you protected connection… when you validated feelings but held boundaries firmly and kindly… when you allowed frustration instead of rescuing and fixing… when you prioritized play over pressure…

You see it now. In the way they handle disappointment. In how they negotiate with friends. In how they reflect after making a mistake. In the way they recover. It’s not perfection. But it’s growth.

 

What This Stage Asks of Us

 

If the first plane asked us to build independence and order, the second plane asks us to build character and belonging.

The child who once needed our help tying their shoes now needs our help making sense of the world — of fairness, relationships, responsibility, and their place within it.

This stage asks us to:

  • Invite deeper conversations.

Second-plane children are no longer satisfied with simple answers. They question. They analyse. They seek meaning. This is the age to listen more, to wonder alongside them, and to take their thoughts seriously. Our role is not to give them all the answers, but to help them develop their capacity to think, reflect, and form their own understanding.

  • Support moral reasoning.

Their sense of justice is awakening. They are forming their internal compass. Rather than enforcing blind obedience, this is the time to explain the “why,” to discuss fairness, consequences, and values. Through these conversations, they begin to internalize principles that will guide them long after our influence fades.

  • Encourage responsibility. 

Independence now evolves into responsibility — not just for tasks, but for actions, choices, and relationships. They are capable of contributing meaningfully to family life, of taking ownership, and of learning from mistakes. Our trust in their capability strengthens their trust in themselves.

  • Protect unstructured play. 

Though they appear more mature, play remains essential. Free play is where they negotiate rules, resolve conflicts, test ideas, and develop resilience. It is where imagination and social intelligence flourish. This is not the time to replace play with performance or productivity.

  • Guide social conflict without over-rescuing. 

Peer relationships become central in this stage, and with them comes friction, disagreement, and hurt. While it can be difficult to witness, these moments are fertile ground for growth. When we resist the urge to immediately fix or intervene, and instead guide them in reflecting, problem-solving, and repairing, they develop confidence in their ability to navigate the social world.

  • Model integrity and repair.

Children at this age are deeply observant. They notice not only what we say, but how we act. They are watching how we handle mistakes, frustration, and conflict. When we model accountability, apologize when needed, and repair ruptures in relationship, we teach them that being human includes imperfection — and that relationships can be restored. And that is a lesson worth teaching!

This isn’t the age to rush. Not the age to over-schedule. Not the age to expect constant productivity or emotional maturity beyond their developmental readiness.

This is the age to strengthen the roots.

 

A Reminder

 

Six is beautiful. Not because it’s easy. But because it reveals what was planted.

If you are still in the early years — in the messy, loud, emotionally intense days of toddlerhood and preschool — hear this:

The seeds matter. Connection matters. Co-regulation matters. Boundaries matter. Play matters.

The fruits will come. Trust the process.

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/the-quiet-shift-into-the-second-plane-of-development/feed/ 0 How Practical Life Evolves in the Second Plane https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/how-practical-life-evolves-in-the-second-plane-and-why-it-still-matters/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/how-practical-life-evolves-in-the-second-plane-and-why-it-still-matters/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 09:06:16 +0000 https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/?p=11741

How Practical Life Evolves in the Second Plane

As your child transitions into the second plane of development (6-12), practical life changes. But it remains just as important!

In the early years (birth to age 6), practical life activities are the foundation of the Montessori approach at home. From pouring to folding cloths, to caring for plants, these hands-on tasks support the development of fine motor skills, focus, independence, and confidence. They’re how young children begin to orient themselves in the world and learn: I am capable.

But something starts to shift around age 6.

If you’re wondering why your 6 year old, who used to joyfully wipe the table or spoon beans into a bowl, now suddenly shrugs off these same tasks—don’t worry! This is a good sign!

It doesn’t mean practical life is no longer relevant.

It just means it’s time for us to meet them where they are developmentally.

From Mastering to Contributing

Transitioning into the second plane of development is like  entering a whole new world. One where curiosity is expanding, reasoning skills are emerging, and the need for purpose is paramount.

In this stage, children no longer just want to help—they want to feel useful. They want to collaborate. They want to solve real problems. They want to know that what they do matters.

Practical life is no longer about skill-building alone. It becomes about meaningful contribution and responsibility.

What Does This Look Like?

How can we meet our 6+ year olds where they are—and keep practical life alive and relevant at home?

We let them take the lead. We give them real-world responsibilities. 

They’re ready to handle more complex tasks like:

• Creating the grocery list (and budget for older children)

• Planning a family picnic or movie night

• Making a birthday celebration plan

• Packing for an upcoming trip

• Helping to manage their own schedule or calendar

• Managing a small weekly or monthly allowance on their own 

• Setting up a garage sale or donation box

• Taking charge of a weekly family job

These aren’t just “chores”. They’re opportunities to problem-solve, organize, take initiative, and follow through. Exactly the types of executive functioning skills we want them to develop.

This is the age when children want to be needed. They want us to trust them with real things. And when we do, they grow into that trust.

Why This Matters

Montessori observed that second plane children are driven by imagination, social connection, and a deepening sense of justice and morality.

They don’t just want to be told what to do—they want to be involved.

When we offer them real responsibilities and meaningful work, we are speaking directly to their developmental needs.

We are telling them:

“You belong. You are capable. Your contribution matters here.”

This builds confidence, responsibility, and initiative from the inside out.

A Sign of Growth

If your 6+ child seems less interested in traditional practical life work like simple house chores—it’s not a sign they’re lazy or disengaged.

It’s a sign they’re growing.

So step back, shift your lens, and invite them into the bigger picture.

Let them rise to the challenge. Trust the process.

They may just surprise you with how responsible, thoughtful, and independent they become when we offer them the opportunity to be part of something real.

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/how-practical-life-evolves-in-the-second-plane-and-why-it-still-matters/feed/ 0 8 Must-Haves for Your Little Nature Explorer https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/8-must-haves-for-your-little-nature-explorer/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/8-must-haves-for-your-little-nature-explorer/#respond Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:18:00 +0000 https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/?p=11681

8 Must-Haves for Your Little Nature Explorer

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support ♡

Spring is here! The perfect season for adventure, discovery, and connecting with the natural world. With flowers blooming, insects buzzing, and birds returning, the outdoors becomes a living classroom for curious little minds!

One of the easiest and most exciting(!) ways to spark your little ones’ interest in nature is to put together their very own Nature Explorer Kit—a simple but intentional collection of tools that encourage observation, discovery, and connection to the natural world. 

You most likely already have a few of the items of this list, but if you are just getting started there are a number of good explorer kit options on the market.  We use a little backpack that we’ve had for a while and customized our kit to fit our Montessori approach to learning. I keep our backpack always ready to go on my daughter’s entryway/exit station so we can always quickly grab it on the way out.

Why a Nature Explorer Kit?

Children are natural-born scientists. An intentional explorer kit empowers them to follow their curiosity, ask questions, and investigate the world around them at their own pace. It’s also a beautiful way to support learning, language development, and mindfulness.

So here are 8 must-haves for your littles’ Nature Explorer Kit! Plus 2 bonus items at the end that we also love! 

1. Pocket Microscope

Small enough to take anywhere, a pocket microscope lets your child zoom in on textures and patterns they can’t see with their eyes alone—like the veins in a leaf or the fuzzy legs of a bee. It brings science to life in the most hands-on, awe-inspiring way!

2. “Treasure Bag”

This is your child’s treasure pouch for collecting leaves, feathers, rocks, acorns, and other nature finds. It gives them a sense of responsibility and excitement about what they might discover and they can take the items home for further exploration and study. 

3. Small Container with a Lid & 

A clear container with a lid is perfect for storing specimens like flowers or seeds, or temporarily store insects for observation (before putting them back in their homes). The clear sides allow them to examine their finds from every angle. 

4. Child-friendly Tweezers

Child-friendly tweezers are great for picking up delicate items like seed pods or tiny flowers to be placed in the clear container, building fine motor skills in the process.

5. Binoculars

Binoculars allow children to spot birds, squirrels, treetops, or faraway hills. They teach kids to slow down, observe carefully, and appreciate nature’s tiniest (and tallest!) wonders.

6. Pocket Magnifying Glass

Simple and classic, a magnifying glass lets children see the world up close—bark textures, bug trails, moss, or even the sparkle of tiny crystals in a rock.

7. Nature Journal

A nature journal gives your child a space to draw, write, and reflect on what they observe. They can record what they find, sketch interesting leaves or insects, or even write stories about their discoveries. Over time, this becomes a personal record of their adventures. Journaling also helps children slow down, process experiences, and build a lasting connection to nature.

8. A Few Writing/Drawing Materials 

Include a few writing, drawing, or coloring materials such as a pencil and a small set of colored pencils, crayons, or watercolors. This lets them write down or draw their observations while encouraging moments of mindfulness and concentration in nature. If your little one loves to paint, this watercolor pad makes for the perfect little nature journal. 

Two (2) Bonus Items:

Keep these in mind for special occasions or evening walks.

9. Pocket Flower Press 

A pocket-sized flower press lets your child preserve their favorite blooms or leaves they find on walks. Pressed flowers make beautiful keepsakes to use in crafts, journaling, or seasonal nature studies.

10. Flashlight

A child-sized flashlight is perfect for shadowy corners, to investigate under logs, or for early-evening walks. 

Giving your child actual tools to explore nature makes space for wonder, storytelling, and deep connection. It encourages them to ask questions, take ownership of their learning, and develop a sense of stewardship for the Earth.

Have these items accessible in a small backpack near the door and watch how even a quick walk becomes an exciting adventure for your little one(s)!

Remember to allow your child to lead their nature discoveries. Let them decide what they want to collect, what draws their attention, and how they use their tools. 

If you must, you can prompt their curiosity with simple questions:

•“What do you think made those marks?”

•“I wonder what this leaf looks like up close using the magnifying glass.”

•“What bird do you think this feather belongs to?”

When you slow down and explore nature alongside your little one, you’re not just making memories — you’re planting the seeds for a lifelong love of the natural world and the joy of shared discovery. 

Happy Exploring!

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/8-must-haves-for-your-little-nature-explorer/feed/ 0 Positive Parenting Strategies for the Holidays https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/positive-parenting-strategies-for-the-holidays/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/positive-parenting-strategies-for-the-holidays/#respond Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:54:06 +0000 https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/?p=11604


Positive Parenting Strategies for the Holiday Season

Celebrating the holidays with little ones can be so very special. But let’s be honest. It can also bring added stress and overwhelm. Between busy schedules, high expectations, and overstimulated little ones, it’s easy to feel stretched too thin. But navigating the holidays with calm, connection, and intention is possible. With these simple but powerful strategies you can turn an otherwise chaotic and stressful season into a meaningful one. 

1. Keep It Simple

One of the best ways to reduce stress during the holidays is to simplify your plans. Instead of packing your days with elaborate activities, focus on meaningful moments that don’t require a lot of effort or preparation. Decorating, baking cookies together, reading holiday-themed books while enjoying a hot chocolate, or taking a walk to look at holiday lights in your neighborhood, are all simple, low-prep activities your little one(s) are sure to enjoy! The key is to focus on connection, not perfection. Your child will remember the love and fun, not how “Pinterest-worthy” the activity was.

2. Don’t Overschedule Yourself

The holidays can easily become overwhelming if you say “yes” to every invitation, event, or activity. Overcommitting yourself can lead to burnout, leaving you too stressed to enjoy the season and less able to stay present, or have the bathwidth to support your children when they become dysregulated, which is sure to happen with a packed schedule! Learn to protect your peace by saying “no” when necessary. Prioritize what truly matters to you and your family. A calmer holiday season benefits everyone.

3. Stick to Your Core Routines

With all the excitement of the holidays, it’s easy for routines to fall by the wayside. However, sticking to your core routines—like meal times, naps, and bedtimes—can provide much-needed stability for your little ones. Predictable routines help children feel safe and secure, even during busy or chaotic times and this consistency helps prevent further dysregulation. So plan holiday activities around your child’s usual schedule whenever possible. This small step can make a big difference in how they handle the excitement and busyness of the season. 

4. Invite Your Children to Participate in Regular Holiday Tasks

The holidays are a perfect opportunity to involve your children in the magic of preparation. Invite them to help with tasks, however imperfect their help might be. Even if it becomes a longer or messier process, see it as an invitation to slow down. This is when you create special memories together. Let them hang ornaments on the tree (even if they’re all clumped together on one branch!). Ask them to help wrap gifts or decorate cards. Involve them in meal preparation, like stirring batter or setting the table. When you approach holiday tasks as opportunities to connect, you’ll find joy in even the simplest moments and that’s such a powerful thing to model to our children.

5. Embrace Imperfection

For young children, the magic of the holidays lies in being involved. The slightly crooked star on top of the tree or the lopsided frosting on cookies will mean so much more to them than perfection. So let go of the pressure to make everything picture-perfect and embrace the perfectly imperfect moments instead. These are the memories your children will treasure.

6. Stay Flexible

Even with the best-laid plans, things don’t always go as expected. Staying flexible and adapting to your child’s needs can help you navigate these moments with grace. If your child is overwhelmed at a gathering, leave early or take a break in a quieter space. If a planned activity isn’t working out, pivot to something simpler or more calming. Flexibility allows you to focus on what truly matters—your child(ren)’s well-being and connection with your family.

7. Watch for Signs of Overstimulation

The bright lights, loud noises, and busy gatherings of the holiday season can overwhelm small children. If you notice your child displaying increased fussiness or irritability, having difficulty focusing or calming down, seeking comfort or withdrawing from activities, it may mean they are overstimulated and a change of environment is needed to support them through it. Find a quiet corner where your child can take a sensory break and be intentional with your presence in those moments. Offer a cuddle, read a calming story, or step outside for fresh air and a sensory reset. Supporting your child through these moments not only models how to regulate their emotions but also helps prevent bigger meltdowns.

8. Be Intentional With Your Gifts

The holiday season often brings a rush to buy the latest toys or take advantage of flashy sales, but being intentional with your gift choices can make the experience more meaningful and also prevent future clutter! Thoughtful, purposeful gifts hold far more value than a mountain of presents that are quickly forgotten.

A few things to keep in mind:

– Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: A few meaningful gifts are far more likely to be valued and appreciated than an overwhelming number of items.

– Consider Current Needs and Interests: When selecting gifts, think about what aligns with your child’s developmental stage and interests rather than what’s trending or on sale.

Avoid Overstimulating Toys: Skip toys with flashing lights, loud noises, or limited functionality, as they can overstimulate your child and often lose their novelty quickly. Instead, consider a good balance between open-ended toys – items like building blocks, pretend play sets or art supplies, which encourage creativity and imagination – and close-ended activities. Think puzzles, sorting games, or Montessori-inspired materials that provide opportunities for focused play.

– Think Beyond Toys: Gifts don’t always have to be toys! Experiences such as a visit to a museum or another family outing, are things your little one(s) can look forward to and get excited about. Practical life tools also make wonderful gifts – real, child-sized items like gardening tools, or a tool kit can foster independence, skill-building and definitely boost confidence.

– If it resonates with you, use the “Four-Gift Rule”: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.

By being intentional with your gifts, you not only reduce stress and clutter but also ensure that the presents you give contribute to your child’s joy, growth, and creativity.

9. If You Have a Partner, Be Sure to Get on the Same Page

The holidays can feel overwhelming, but taking time to connect with your partner to get on the same page about priorities and share the load is key to creating a joyful and balanced season. A strong partnership not only supports you but sets a positive tone for your entire family. Make decisions together about plans, traditions, and boundaries for the kids so you can show up as a united front. Divide and Conquer: share responsibilities like cooking, shopping, or preparing activities to reduce stress and model teamwork. And finally, make time for each other too. Share a quiet coffee, wrap gifts together, or plan a simple date night—even if it’s at home. When you and your partner connect and show up as a united front, you create a stable, loving environment that makes the holidays truly meaningful—for both you and your kids.

The holidays don’t have to be perfect—they just need to be meaningful. By keeping things simple and focusing on connection, you can create a holiday season full of joy and memories that your family will cherish for years to come.

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/positive-parenting-strategies-for-the-holidays/feed/ 0 How to Create a Montessori-inspired Bedroom https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/how-to-create-a-montessori-inspired-bedroom/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/how-to-create-a-montessori-inspired-bedroom/#respond Mon, 13 May 2024 14:48:19 +0000 https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/?p=11121


How to Create a Montessori - inspired Bedroom

More than a century since its inception, Montessori is now more popular than ever and rapidly extending from the classroom to the homes of a growing number of families. Many first learn of the Montessori approach because of the highly commercialized “Montessori bed”, which has been slowly making its way into mainstream design. But while this type of bed is a key aspect of a Montessori-inspired bedroom, there is a lot more to consider when designing this type of space for your child.

So what is a Montessori-inspired bedroom?

In short, a Montessori-inspired bedroom is a bedroom that is designed according to Montessori principles. These include accessibility, functionality, order, beauty and simplicity. It is essentially a bedroom designed with the child’s needs and abilities in mind. You will typically see child-sized furniture to foster independence and provide the child with the freedom to move and explore his surroundings; as well as natural and simple features. These help promote a sense of order, structure and beauty, helping to prevent distractions and overwhelm. 

Now let’s look at the different areas you may see in a Montessori-inspired bedroom:

Sleeping Area

The focal point of a Montessori bedroom is, of course, the “Montessori bed”. While in recent years beds in the shape of a house or tent have been widely marketed as “Montessori beds”, in reality a “Montessori bed”is simply a bed that is accessible to the child. 

Maria Montessori believed that children thrive when given the freedom to move and learn independently. Therefore, a “Montessori bed” is simply a bed without restrictive railing; a bed that the child can climb in and out of on their own without needing assistance from an adult. This is the key difference between a traditional and a Montessori bedroom. 

Traditional vs. Montessori approach

In a traditional bedroom, the crib restricts the child’s movement and vision, preventing them from exploring freely. The child then learns that upon waking up they need to cry to alert an adult to come and get them.

By contrast, in a Montessori-inspired bedroom the child can signal to the adult that they are awake without the need to cry, and can even begin to explore independently. It provides freedom of choice, promotes independence and encourages decision-making. The child gets to choose what to gravitate toward upon waking up; their reading area, their shelf activities, or any other area that peaks their interest.

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of a “Montessori bed”, you’re probably wondering: Is it safe? And when should I make the transition?

The answer to the first question is yes, as long as extra safety measures are taken. Before introducing a floor bed be sure to completely child-proof the room by covering electrical outlets, installing locks on windows if needed, anchoring furniture to the wall and removing any loose parts or objects that may represent a choking hazard or cause harm to your child.

As for the second question, please know that every child and every family is different, so there is no right answer. Do what feels right for you. Some families transition right after the bassinet, others much later.

We transitioned when my daughter was 13 months old. That’s when the conditions aligned for us and it really was a game changer. It opened up the room and a whole new world of possibility where my daughter could be more of herself. She has been using her bed throughout the day since, to read books and play with her stuffed animals. Imagine being a child and having access to your safe space anytime you want. 

Dressing Area

A second key element in a Montessori-inspired bedroom is an accessible dressing area. This area should help foster independence and build confidence; offer choices and provide opportunities for your child to practice new skills.

Ideally you would have a toddler closet. We love the Alba Montessori Children’s Wardrobe by Sprout Kids because it’s just the right size, very easy to organize and can even grow with your child.

If you don’t have a toddler wardrobe, there are many ways you can still offer choices and make clothes accessible to your little one. You could start by hanging two choices on the closet door to start. Another popular option is hanging them on a low shelf. As a more permanent option, a small accessible wardrobe with shelves, drawers or a small hanging space – or a combination of all three – is ideal. However, if that is not an option at the moment due to space or budget restrictions, you can start with baskets on the floor or by hanging a few options on low hooks or the main wardrobe door.

Alternatively, simply add a rack at their level in the existing closet so your child can reach the clothing. Do what you can with what you already have in your home and get as creative as you need to be. The main thing is that you start providing the child with limited options and encourage independence through decision-making. Leave only appropriate options within reach and store out-of-season items elsewhere to avoid potential power struggles.

Another popular hack consists of adapting the IKEA Kallax unit to function as a toddler wardrobe. For this, you will need a 12-18″ curtain rod, baskets or Kallax drawers, and kids clothes’ hangers. On the right side, take out the existing shelf and install the rod to create a space for hanging clothes. Add the baskets or drawers to the shelves on the right side for smaller items of clothing. You can also add a mirror directly on the side of the unit and/or a stool with a few self-care items.

Start offering your child a choice between two clothing items as early as 12 months (or even earlier) and gradually increase that number to 3, 4 or 5 as the child gets older. 

We created a DIY wardrobe using the IKEA Eket series at 2 years old. The drawers are push hinges and very toddler-friendly. Inside the drawers, I used small dividers to make compartments for t-shirts, bottoms, socks and other seasonal items. For the section with hangers, we purchased the Eket cabinet with door, removed the shelf in the middle and added a rod for hangers. There is a laundry basket next to it for dirty clothes and a chair nearby to help with dressing.

Zara Home wardrobe for a 4-year old. Four containers at the bottom with 1) underwear, 2) socks, 3) bottoms and 4 ) tops (t-shirts). Next to it is a laundry bin and chair (not pictured) to help with dressing.

Play & Movement Area

If space allows, you can consider a small shelf (or baskets) with activities that your child can play quietly with upon waking up. A soft rug near or in front of the shelf helps to create a soothing atmosphere and allows the child to play and move freely. I like to keep activities/toys in the bedroom simple and not overly stimulating, opting for passive toys and avoiding toys that feature loud sounds and/or flashing lights.

For a younger toddler, choose materials that are interesting to explore and manipulate, and support the child in developing the skills they’re working on at that moment. At this stage they are likely working  on developing fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, cognitive skills and concentration.

A few Montessori sensorial materials you can consider include: a three-piece circle puzzle, a three-shape puzzle,  the object permanence box, the Imbucare box, rings on a vertical dowel, rings on a horizontal dowel, colored rings on dowels, and a shape sorter. At 18 months your toddler might also enjoy a hammer bench type of toy, more difficult puzzles, object-to-picture matching using miniature figurines and nesting cubes.

For an older child (3+), pretend play items such as dolls, a baby stroller, wooden blocks, animal figurines, stacking toys such as a rainbow and other open-ended items of the sort – as opposed to more Montessori-aligned close-ended activities – might be a better fit, depending on the child. Follow your particular child’s interests and developmental needs. This becomes easier if you adopt an observation practice. Take a few minutes every few days to observe your child objectively,  without judgement and without interrupting. This will help you gain insights into their capabilities, interests, developmental progress and more.

And just as importantly, it can help you figure out how you can best support them and continuously adapt the environment to meet their individual needs. To keep the child engaged, rotate toys, activities and books based on the their interests and developmental needs. Toy rotations offer a number of benefits to both the parent and the child.

Reading Area

A simple reading area in your child’s bedroom is a great way to build reading routines and raise book lovers.

Forward-facing bookshelves work best for younger children and allow you to display books with the covers facing forward, making the books more appealing and enticing. 

If you opt for a wall-mounted shelf be sure to install it low enough that the child can easily reach. They should be able to pick up books and put them back on their own. Keeping the bookshelves a neutral color (i.e. white or light wood), instead of a bright color, allows the books themselves to stand out. If a bookshelf is outside of your budget, you can opt for a basket on the floor with books in a line (so that the front cover of the first one is visible).  

You can make the area cozier by adding seating. A bean bag, play mattress, floor pillow or lounger are all great options but a cozy carpet with pillows works just as well. Alternatively, simply place the shelves or baskets near the floor bed so the child can get cozy and read in bed.

Be sure to include a few of your child’s favorite books. Having a few of their stuffed toys nearby or small items that can be used for bookish play is another way to bring books to life.

Display only a limited number of books and rotate them every once in a while. This helps keep the reading area engaging for the child. If interest starts to wane, it may be time to refresh the space once again. 

Self-care Area

If your child performs self-care activities, such as brushing their hair, wiping their face or applying cream, in the bedroom, you may also want to consider having a simple self-care station. This is a great way to encourage independence, improve body awareness and help them learn how to dress and groom themselves. Plus, it can also help make routines easier. This area should include a mirror and a small shelf or basket with the self-care items the child needs. Ours also includes a stool.

Having a designated area for these activities promotes order and organization in the environment (the child knows where these actions are performed and where the items are stored) and encourages the child to practice new skills. For some families these self-care activities may be done in  the bathroom or elsewhere in the house. If that is your case, do what works best for your family.

Once you’re done setting up your child’s bedroom, get down on the floor so you can view the space from their perspective.

Ask yourself these questions:

Is the room child-proof and safe?

Is everything my child needs within reach?

Your answer to both of these questions should be yes. Let the the room evolve with the child as they reach new milestones and master new skills. 

I hope this article has inspired you to create an accessible and child-centered bedroom for your little one(s). When we design our children’s bedrooms with their needs and capabilities in mind we are not only conveying our love and respect for them but also empowering them. They trust their capabilities because we trust them first. And that’s a solid foundation for any growing, learning, little human. 

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/how-to-create-a-montessori-inspired-bedroom/feed/ 0 10 Spring Activities to Try With Your Little One(s) https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/10-spring-activities-to-try-with-your-little-ones/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/10-spring-activities-to-try-with-your-little-ones/#respond Wed, 10 May 2023 05:29:09 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?p=2299

10 Nature-Inspired Spring Activities to Try With Your Little One(s)

With Spring here it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy all the benefits nature has to offer!

Since having a child I have discovered a new found appreciation for the change of seasons. A child has the power to bring our awareness right to the present, to the little things we often miss. They notice the small and big details of all that is living and growing around us. It’s also a perfect time to deepen a child’s understanding and nurture their appreciation for the changing of seasons, the re-birth of life, flowers, insects, birds, worms, rainbows, puddles, and so much more.

So here are a few of our favorite nature-inspired Spring activities: 

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support ♡

  1. Scavenger Hunts

With life in full bloom, scavenger hunts are the perfect way to get outside in nature and explore, bringing your little one’s attention to nature’s myriad treasures. We love this printout by Multisori, the Montessori-inspired homeschool curriculum I use to supplement my daughter’s education. 

Don’t forget your little one’s binoculars and a small bag, pouch or container to store all the little treasures your child collects.

  1. Planting Seeds

Spring is the perfect time to start a garden, or simply plant some herbs for your balcony with your little one. It will give you both something you can care for and watch grow together. It will also help strengthen your little one’s bond with nature and increase appreciation for the natural world.

This kids’ gardening kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a variety of seeds and an illustrated booklet with step-by-step instructions to make it easy and fun to learn how to grow your little garden.

  1. Flower Arranging

It’s always a good idea to signal the arrival of a new season by including seasonal items in your prepared environment. Bring home some fresh flowers and invite your little one to help you with a flower arrangement. Then let them decide where to place it.

This classic Montessori practical life activity helps develop practical life skills such as pouring or using a funnel, and is great to strengthen both fine and gross motor skills (control of movement and hand-eye coordination in particular). But that’s not all. Flower arranging also strengthens cognitive skills, requiring the child to learn a sequence and concentrate. Plus, it’s great for the senses as flowers look and smell great.

If you have a small child be sure to prepare the flowers ahead of time. Start by simply inviting the child to pour the water into the vase and then place the flowers in it. To set your child up for success, be sure to provide a pitcher that is also appropriately sized. You can view some of our recommended options here.

For an older child, you can include a funnel to increase difficulty and scissors to practice cutting the leaves. Be sure to gradually increase the number of steps so as to give your child a chance to scaffold skills and learn the sequence.

  1. Flower Soup

When those flowers start to wilt, put them in a bin with water and let your child make flower soup. If they  love water play then they will love this activity! 

It is a simple way to repurpose a wilted or dried bouquet and makes for a sensory-rich experience. The child can enjoy filling and emptying the pots, mixing, and using the strainer and colander to pick up the petals. 

If you don’t already have one, this set of pretend play pots and pans by Melissa & Doug is perfect for this activity. 

In addition to its calming effect, this type of water play helps children develop fine motor skills, practical life skills, concentration and early math concepts such as full/empty.

  1. Flower Pressing

You can also press the flowers you collected with your little one(s). There are beautiful wooden flower presses on the market, but if you don’t have one you can simply use a heavy book. We use parchment paper to prevent contact with the book pages and it usually takes between 2-4 weeks for the flowers to dry. Once dried, they look beautiful in arts and crafts projects.

  1. Playdough invitation to play using flower petals

Another way to use those wilting petals is to let your child mix them up in their playdough. Here we coupled it with butterfly cutters but any flower or insect-themed cutters (or any other ideas you may have) would work well too. 

If you have colored petals, keep it simple with white playdough to allow the color of the petals to come through in a burst of color and texture, making it more fun to manipulate.

For our preferred homemade playdough recipe, please check this post.

 

  1. Bird Watch

Go for a walk with your little one and using binoculars try to find different birds native to your area. Or simply watch what they are up to. This offers you and your little one an opportunity to get some fresh air, enjoy the outdoors and connect with the slower pace of the natural world. 

A printout with birds native to your area that your little one is likely to see makes for a fun bird scavenger hunt. The one pictured here is by Montessori Inspired Learning. For older children you can also have a journal for them to write their observations.

  1. Make a bird feeder

There are many ways you can make a bird feeder. We like to keep it simple and use a pinecone. All you need is a pinecone, some string, peanut butter and bird feed. 

Start by tying the string around the pinecone and then get your little one(s) to spread the peanut butter onto the pinecone. This part can be a bit messy but it is so worth it! Then roll your peanut buttery pinecone in the bird seed. Take it outside, hang it on a tree and wait for the birds to come and feed. My daughter gets so excited when they finally come!

Photo by Patrice Bouchard 

  1. Play in the Rain

Get your waterproof coats and boots on and enjoy a little play in the rain. Your inner child will thank you later. We often dislike getting caught in the rain but if you go out there intentionally with the right gear you can actually really enjoy the experience!

Look for puddles to stomp on, and the rainbows and snails that come out afterwards. These spontaneous “play in the rain” moments with you can actually become your child’s core childhood memories.

  1. Go for a Picnic

Keep it simple by going for a picnic. You get to enjoy fresh air and there is always tons of exploring for your little one(s) to do out in nature. 

Pack up a few of their favorite snacks – let them help you with the preparations – and head out to your picnic location. We live seaside so we often go for picnics at the beach. 

Afterwards, my daughter loves to make “sand cakes”. Choose a somewhat secluded location if you can. These moments make for the best childhood memories!

Happy Spring exploring!

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/10-spring-activities-to-try-with-your-little-ones/feed/ 0 Three Steps to a Peaceful Montessori-inspired Play Area https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/three-steps-to-a-peaceful-play-area/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/three-steps-to-a-peaceful-play-area/#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:59:12 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?p=1109

Three Steps to a Peaceful Play Area

Have you ever tried to work in your office while it is a huge mess? There are papers everywhere. You’re trying to be productive and creative but you can’t find that one piece of paper you’re looking for and you just spilled your coffee trying to look for a pen. How does it affect your mental state and productivity?

Now imagine you’re a child going into your play area. It may even look tidy but there are dozens and dozens of toys inside baskets so in order to find the one toy you’re looking for you have to dump everything on the floor. It becomes messy pretty quickly. And now there’s barely any clear surface to work on. To explore. To create. To build that big tower you had in mind with your favorite new blocks.

Play is the work of the child. It is how children explore and make sense of the world around them. It is how they learn. And as such, their play space should be inviting, clutter-free, inspiring, and their play time viewed as sacred. Having a functional, orderly and inspiring play area is an important foundation for quality play.

Less is more

A 2018 study entitled “The influence of the number of toys in the environment on toddlers’ play”, published in the journal Infant Behavior and Development, confirmed that having too many toys in the environment reduces the quality of play. Conversely, fewer toys led to increased focus and more creative and imaginative play, as well as deeper cognitive development.

In addition to reducing the quality of play, too many toys can also affect concentration – a critical skill to start building in toddlerhood – and may even become overwhelming (too many choices) and overstimulating. This is particularly true if there are too many active toys featuring flashing lights and loud sounds.

So how can you create a peaceful play area?

I use a three-part process with the parents I work with, which I’m going to share with you now.

Step 1: De-clutter

This is the most time-consuming part but also most rewarding. Start by sorting all of your child’s toys, books and materials into three piles. The items that the child has outgrown and is no longer showing an interest in can be sorted into a donating pile or stored away for a younger sibling. The items that are still developmentally-appropriate but the child hasn’t shown much interest in, in the past few weeks, can be stored and rotated later.

Leave out only the toys, activities, books and materials you have seen your child engage with in the past two weeks and store the rest in bins in a closet, spare bedroom or garage. Ideally, this will be a limited number anywhere between 8 and 12 items.

A 2021 survey of parents by toy company Premium Joy revealed that 8 out of 10 children play with only 20 toys or fewer, regardless of how many are available to them. Even more telling, the survey showed that 44% of children play with just 5 to 10 toys, while 21% engage with 11 to 20.  This data supports the idea that children should have no more than 20 toys available to them at home, so they can make the best of their play time.

If you’re used to having dozens of toys out, you may feel at first like your child will have “nothing” to play with, or you may wonder if they will engage with such “few” items. In a consumerist society we have been conditioned to feel this way. Know that once the clutter is out you will observe your child engage with the toys that do remain in a different way.

With less toys/activities you will also notice that it becomes easier to observe the child’s interests and what skills they are trying to master. Toddlers love to engage in repeated actions. This gives us an indication of what inner impulse they are responding to, and therefore, what skill they are working to master. And from these observations you can prepare an environment that meets the child’s developmental needs and interests.

5 Key Questions to Ask Yourself When De-cluttering Toys:

  • Is it broken or missing any pieces? (if so, let it go)
  • When did my child(ren) last play with this toy?
  • Has my child outgrown this toy?
  • Does it foster learning, enhance positive behavior, open-ended play or creativity?
  • Does this toy benefit or burden our family and space?

Step 2: Simplify

Once you’ve decluttered the play space you can go ahead and arrange the toys/materials you’ve decided to keep for the moment on the activity shelves. Depending on the child, you may want to opt for a combination of passive toys such as blocks, roads, cars, stacking toys, and more Montessori-aligned activities that target the development of cognitive and pre-writing skills. If you have toys that are battery-operated with flashing lights and sounds, try removing the batteries and using them without these features for a while. There is no right or wrong and every household is unique. Work with what you already have instead of buying more.  

“A place for everything and everything in its place”

Make sure you have a functional space where everything has a designated place and your child knows where it goes. For example, art supplies go on the art caddy, books go on the bookshelf, activities go on the shelf. Keep it simple for both you and your child. Always model putting activities/ toys back when done using them and encourage your child to do the same.

Because of their strong sense of order, children, in particular toddlers, thrive in orderly environments. If there is a place for everything, the child can learn where items go and is more likely to put them back where they belong. Toddlerhood is the perfect time to start to form healthy habits of putting toys away once they are done using them. It takes a bit of practice in the beginning but it’s worth it.

Keep realistic expectations. Young children need to be modeled and shown exactly what it looks like and it needs to be manageable for the child. Instead of giving them a general prompt such as “go clean your playroom”, break it up into small tasks that the child can handle. Try instead, “How about we do team work! You put the stuffed animals in the basket while I put away the blocks”.

Step 3: Rotate                             

The last step is to rotate toys and materials/ activities based on your observation of the child’s developmental needs and interests.

Toy rotations offer a number of very important benefits. They reduce clutter and make it easier to clean up; create a calming and inviting space; make old toys feel new and exciting again; prevent overwhelm from too many choices; increase focus and deeper engagement; foster creativity and promote more independent play.

There is no exact prescription when it comes to rotating. Find what works for your family and stick to that. Eventually you will be able to involve your child in this process too.

For more tips on how to observe your child, please see my article on this topic here. 

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/three-steps-to-a-peaceful-play-area/feed/ 4 Montessori-inspired Observation as a Parenting Tool https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/montessori-inspired-observation-as-a-parenting-tool/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/montessori-inspired-observation-as-a-parenting-tool/#respond Mon, 27 Mar 2023 08:05:56 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?p=283

Montessori-inspired Observation as a Parenting Tool

Observation is a key component of the Montessori method. In fact, the entire method was built on observation. Italian physician, educator and pioneer Maria Montessori observed children like a scientist, recording her observations, adjusting the children’s environment continuously and eventually becoming inspired by her observations to adapt and create educational materials, which she continued to refine through a process of trial and error.

As parents, a Montessori-inspired observation practice at home can be a powerful tool, especially in the early years. Not only can it help us gain insight into our children’s needs, capabilities, interests and overall developmental progress, it is also particularly useful in helping us determine how to set up our home environment to ensure it meets their individual needs and interests. Observation is vital to our ability to follow and more effectively connect with and support our children. 

Though starting an observation practice may seem a little intimidating for us parents, it can be as simple as setting aside 10-15 minutes every few days to sit back quietly and observe our children. Observation may sometimes happen outside of these planned time slots so you can also simply make a mental note to examine a certain aspect or behavior when it comes up next. You may actually grow to enjoy this practice! It’s helpful to write down your observations so you can revisit later.

Maria Montessori stressed the importance of:

Observing objectively and without judgement

This means detaching from our emotions and expectations, and observing factually. Accepting and meeting the child where she is at, with love and without judgement or preconceived ideas. It helps you to stay focused on the child in front of you, rather than who you want them to be, or focusing on some idea of how you think they “should” be developing or behaving. If you free your mind of preconceived ideas, you can actually get to know your child more deeply. Granted, this is not easy to do in a society obsessed with milestones and social media comparison.

What does observing objectively look like?

Objective statements look like: “Tom selected the animal puzzle four times.” Notice I wrote down an objective fact – the number of times he selected a particular material – rather than using subjective statements such as “Tom likes animals” or “Tom likes puzzles”.

A few questions you can keep in mind for your observation practice:

  • Which materials/activities is my child gravitating towards?
  • Which materials has my child not shown any interest in?
  • Is there a repetition of movement/action?
  • Is the child able to concentrate? For how long?
  • Which material or activity brought about concentration?
  • How does my child respond to particular stimuli?

Can you see now, in the context of these questions, how objective statements will help you get a better read on where your child is at?

While observation in the context of a Montessori classroom often involves noting down acquired skills, interests and observed needs, at home you can extend this practice to observing a variety of other topics that can better inform your parenting tools and strategies.

Learning about things like your child’s specific learning style, sensory needs, love language, dominant nervous system response, among other things, can help you to become a more attuned and responsive parent.

Observing without interfering

The second important aspect of a Montessori-inspired observation practice is our ability to observe without interfering. This may seem so straightforward but to many parents it’s actually not! So often we feel the need to “help”, “fix”, “clean”, “praise” or otherwise interfere. We think we are helping but sometimes we are actually hindering the child’s ability to act on their own; to take initiative; and to show us what they are capable of doing; what impulses they have; what ideas they come up with. All of which is actually gold for our observation practice!

So give your child the space to just be in the environment and give yourself the time to sit back and observe what happens.

This practice of not interfering will also help you to nurture and protect your child’s ability to concentrate, which Maria Montessori identified as an essential of the child’s development, a precursor to learning and a tool for life-long success. It is this ability to concentrate that brings about “normalization”, the term used to describe young children’s ability to focus and concentrate for sustained periods of time while deriving self-satisfaction from their work.

Reflecting Back

After observing, go back to your notes and reflect on your observations. You can do this in the evening or opt for an end-of-the week assessment. However works for you. Consider how you can best support your child based on what you observed:

  • Would it be appropriate to make changes to the environment?
  • What skills is the child(ren) likely working on at the moment?
  • Are too many choices overwhelming the child? / Does the shelf have too many books/activities?
  • Is it time to rotate activities?
  • Which activities are most appropriate for the child given his needs and interests at the moment?
  • Which skill set does the child need more support with?
  • Is the environment meeting the child’s particular sensory needs?
  • How can you connect deeper with your child based on their love language?
  • How can you more effectively respond to emotional dysregulation based on your particular child’s dominant nervous system response?

These are some of the questions you can get answers for.

Looking back on your notes also provides you with an opportunity for self-reflection. What thoughts/ emotions come up *for you* when you try to observe? Which thoughts create anxiety? And why? These are all things you can reflect on.

Thoughts and emotions such as “Is he struggling with this? Is she late to that particular milestone?”, are absolutely normal for us as parents. Just like you acknowledge and try to validate your child’s emotions, do the same for yourself. Observe, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, dig deeper where you need to and let them go, not attaching to them.

If we are able to see past our emotions, expectations and preconceived ideas – which as parents is much harder to disentangle from – we are one step closer to accepting and meeting the child where she is at.

I hope you start by practicing for a few minutes and grow to enjoy this valuable practice as a parent. Like any skill the more you practice the better you will be at it.

And remember to trust your child. Trust in the beautiful wonder that is the unique cosmic being in front of you. 

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/montessori-inspired-observation-as-a-parenting-tool/feed/ 0 Positive and Respectful Communication https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/positive-and-respectful-communication/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/positive-and-respectful-communication/#respond Thu, 23 Mar 2023 10:44:34 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?p=264

Positive and Respectful Communication

According to experts, the average toddler hears “no” about 400 times a day. How crazy is that?!

It’s not only exhausting for us parents but also ineffective. Have you noticed how toddlers who hear “no” all the time tend to tune out after a while? Not only that but toddler and preschoolers’ understanding of “no” is much different than an adult’s understanding of “no”, because they lack the brain development and maturity necessary for self-control and judgment. At this age “no” is still an abstract concept and one that stands in direct opposition to their developmental need to explore the world around them.

So what can you do instead?

Adopt positive alternatives as often as you can and save your “nos” for emergencies or when your child could be putting themself in danger.

Positive communication is clear, respectful, and a lot more effective at inviting cooperation from children. It’s about reframing those “nos” into positives that direct the child to the desired behavior, instead of bringing their focus to the undesired behavior.

In other words, tell the child what to do, instead of what not to do. Take the opportunity to teach, re-direct, provide choices or model the behavior you want to see.

It is also important to align our verbal and emotional communication. That is, communicating in a way that is positive, respectful and clear so the child can know what is expected of them.

Below you will find some examples that I use in our home. I am not a huge fan of scripts but I find it helps the parents I work with have some idea of positive and respectful communication because often times they just have not been exposed to it before. Remember children respond to our energy, not our words, so use a version of these that resonates with you. The key here is for you to stay authentic to who you are.

Also, be sure to connect before you correct. In these examples, this would look like getting down to the child’s level, making eye contact and once you have their attention, setting boundaries by communicating clearly and positively.

Instead of: “No running!”

Try: “Walk, please.” or “We use our walking feet in the house. You can run when we get outside.”

Instead of: “No jumping on the couch!”

Try: “The couch is for sitting.” To re-direct you can say: “You can jump over there where it’s safe.”

Instead of: “No, you can’t have a cookie now!”

Try: “Yes, you can have a cookie after dinner / with dinner.”

Instead of: “No throwing (blocks)!”

Try: “Blocks are for building. Let’s use gentle hands, please.” (Take the opportunity to teach/model playing gently with the blocks). 

With a younger toddler, it is most effective to keep it short and simple by using less words. But with an older toddler or preschooler, you can explain the reason behind the “no”.

“Blocks are for building. They are made of wood and heavy so they can damage our wooden floors when you throw. Plus, it makes a very uncomfortable sound.”

If you need to re-direct, you can say: “You can use this soft ball and throw it in the laundry bin if you’d like.”

Sentences that invite cooperation

These three sentence structures can also help you navigate challenging behavior with more ease.

“It’s time to…” 

Using “its time to…” depersonalizes the directive that follows. It’s not about what the parent wants to happen next, it is simply time to do something.

Instead of: “Go clean up your toys!”

Try: “It’s time to clean up now.”

Using a playful tone to express excitement or following this with a choice can be even more effective:

“It’s time to leave the park now. Do you want one last turn on the swing or would you prefer the slide?”

“It’s time to clean up the toys now. Do you want to pick up the stuffed animals or the blocks?” (Remember to keep tasks manageable for children)

For smoother transitions, be sure to prepare the child for the upcoming transition in advance. Children’s concept of time is different from ours so keep reminding them of what will follow so they can feel more prepared and in control.

“As soon as… then…”

By using “as soon as… then…” instead of a negative (“we can’t do x because we need to do y”), we give the child a clear requirement instead of a directive, which is more respectful and is usually met with less resistance. 

Instead of: “If we don’t clean up we can’t go to the park.”

Try: “As soon as we clean up, we can go to the park.”

“I love you and the answer is no”

This structure is all about being firm while remaining kind, a hallmark of Positive Discipline. The first part of the sentence is about connection and the second is about being firm in your “no”.

If you have a hard time telling your child “no”, remember that rules and boundaries are a form of self-love and a powerful thing to teach and model to our children. It is not about controlling others, but about creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone in the family.

Yes your child may still have feelings about the “no”. Stay calm, validate their feelings, stay present for them and have faith in them to handle the disappointment. 

If the child is not dysregulated, you can take these moments to teach. The goal of discipline is to help the child learn self-control and self-discipline, while developing responsibility, not punish the child for not yet having developed these skills.

Positive and respectful communication, offering choices, explaining reasons behind requests, modelling the behavior we want to see in our children, creating awareness around the impact of our actions on the environment and other beings, this is how we raise self-aware and kind little humans.

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/positive-and-respectful-communication/feed/ 0 Four Steps to Creating a Fun Children’s Reading Space https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/four-steps-to-creating-a-fun-toddler-reading-space/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/four-steps-to-creating-a-fun-toddler-reading-space/#respond Wed, 22 Mar 2023 16:15:18 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?p=220

Four Steps to Creating a Fun Children's Reading Space

Creating a warm and fun reading space in your home is one of the most effective ways to foster a love of reading in a young child. The benefits of fostering a love of reading from a young age are well-documented. Reading books accelerates language development and literacy skills, sparks intellectual curiosity, improves self-esteem, develops empathy and helps children learn about the world and how to relate to others. Children who enjoy reading are also more likely to embrace life-long learning.

Creating a warm and inviting reading space for your child doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be achieved in four simple steps.

      *** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support ♡

Step 1: Accessible forward-facing shelves

Instead of storing books upright with the spine facing out, display your child’s books with the covers facing forward in forward-facing shelves. This makes the books more appealing and enticing for young children. You can opt for a front-facing Montessori-style bookshelf or instead go with a wall-mounted shelf that you can install low enough that your child can reach. Whichever option works best for you, be sure to make the bookshelf fully accessible to the child. They should be able to pick up the book and put it back on their own.

Keeping the bookshelves a neutral color (i.e. white or  light wood) helps the books themselves stand out and look more inviting. If a bookshelf is outside of your budget, you could also opt for a basket on the floor with books in a line, so that the front cover of the first one is visible. 

Shelves: Ikea Flisat Wall Storage

Shelves: IKEA Mosslanda Picture Ledges in birch (Amazon alternative here); Metal Baskets: IKEA RISATORP Wire Basket; Bean Bag: Nobodinoz; books displayed can be found here.

Step 2: Comfortable seating

The next step is to add comfortable seating. A bean bag, play mattress, floor pillow or lounger are all great options. Alternatively, a cozy carpet with pillows works just as well. Make the space inviting with rich textures and the child will want to spend more time in their cozy reading space.

Step 3: Magic Touches

To accessorize the space, add items that increase value and beauty for the child such as interesting art work, a few select open-ended materials and/or music instruments. By adding a few open-ended materials that compliment the books on display, the child can also enjoy bookish play. Bookish play makes books come alive for the child and makes reading even more fun. Remember to keep it simple and orderly.

Items pictured can be found here.

Step 4: Rotate Books and Materials

Rotating books and materials every once in a while keeps the space interesting and engaging for the child. There is no exact rule for this. Follow your child. If interest starts to wane it’s a sign that it may be time to refresh the space once again.

Be sure to join your child in their cozy space for quality time exploring books. Modeling a love of reading is a great way to help nurture this in our children and they will reap the rewards of it throughout their life.

If you’ve been inspired by this blog post, leave a comment below or tag us on social media so we can see your creations!

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