There are many benefits to investing in minimalist toys.  Here are a few: 1.     Child Development: Minimalist toys often encourage open-ended play, which can help children develop creativity and problem-solving skills. The simplicity in design allows children to take ownership of their play leading to increased focus and more engaged play.  2.     Mental Wellness: Minimalist toys support more “white space” promoting a sense of calmness and wellness in children. 3.     Eco-Friendly:  Minimalist toys tend to be more envi ..read more

The main way to support pre-literacy when a child plays with blocks is by offering diverse writing materials that promote a print rich environment Items could include: Maps, architectural magazines, graph paper, pencils, clipboards, house plans, road signs, self-adhesive notes, markers, and index cards. When real-life items are provided, there is an increased level of engagement which allows for authentic learning and higher language development. Items shouldn’t be offered all at once but instead rotated every so often to maintain interest and focus. When you see your child build something, in ..read more

Did you know that July is Plastic Free month? 90 percent of all toys on the market are made of plastic, and the toy industry in the United States only seems to be growing. Recycling plastic toys is difficult since plastic never decomposes. Children are the most affected by our environmental choices. The world they inherit is currently being shaped by our choices and behaviors. When we talk about sustainability and thinking about the consequences of our actions against our planet, we’re quite literally talking about the well-being of our children and children’s children. They are the ones who w ..read more

The wonder and magic of childhood playtime is such a special thing. Children love to play with something as simple as a cardboard box because it is a blank slate that they can turn into anything! The box from your new fridge easily turns into a rocket ship, a veterinarian's office or a castle (or maybe all three!) A set of pillows and blankets quickly becomes a mountain fortress or an arctic research station. A jump rope can be a tool for jumping but can also turn into a garden snake with a snap of imagination. Children's’ amazing creativity was one of the things we kept in mind when developi ..read more

As we prepare for a new school year, it’s time to re-think how to arrange our class and home play spaces. The Reggio approach values the environment as the “third teacher” so taking a step back and examining the space and learning materials we offer children is essential. There are many easy ways to incorporate Reggio elements without spending lots of money. 1) Bring nature in and incorporate natural loose materials such as rocks, pine cones, seashells and leaves to various play spaces. Spread them out in different areas such as the block area or the kitchen area and watch how children will fi ..read more

We have to start at the beginning if we want to build something different The Role of Aesthetics in Learning The role of art in Reggio Emilia schools is viewed differently. It doesn’t perceive art time as craft making with the purpose of bringing home a finished project. Instead art is viewed as tool for communication and learning. Children draw to learn as opposed to learn to draw. In Reggio Emilia preschools, art is the top priority and children are provided with various art media such as high quality paints, charcoal pencils, felt-tipped pens, pastels, and tools for modeling clay to create ..read more