This is my job! I try to put the children in the way of tools and resources so that they can investigate, explore and create. This art center is simply an answer to that job of mine.
- I wanted the shelf space for books.
- I needed the art supplies to be more accessible to all members of our family (little and big).
- I had a wooden tv cabinet that was solid, sturdy, unused, that Rob and I DID NOT want to lug up to the attic and that I was sure had a REAL purpose somewhere in my learning room…if only I could figure out what it was!
A short word about waterbrush pens: We love them! They’re fantastic because they contain the water necessary for watercoloring within the barrel. My oldest daughter really enjoys them. They’re so perfect for nature walk watercolors completed in the field. I always give credit to Kimberlee’s post, The Joy of Watercolors, because that’s where I learned about these waterbrush pens and we’ve enjoyed them so much ever since she told us about them!
- A post on the Quick Tidy that we do daily and keeps my/our sanity intact. Everything has a place and everything in its place is so much more workable if you quick tidy for 10 minutes daily.
- A post on Toys: My Thoughts on Choosing, Managing, and Ordering Toys in the Home
Inspiring! Yes, the page for 1 November this year was a doozie, wasn't it! I am going to have to get searching for the How to Draw Like an Edwardian Lady.
It doesn't scream TV cabinet at all– it looks wonderful and so inviting! I've been mulling over a way for us to have a similar set up in our home for some time now. Thanks for the inspiration!
I think your “tv cabinet” looks great! We have one re-purposed as a home altar 🙂
I love these peeks into your schoolroom, even if they do tend to stir a little jealousy in my selfish little heart! 😉
You've done a great job of creating a beautiful space.
thanks for sharing 🙂
This was a wonderful post, Jen! And thank you so much for addressing my question(s) specifically. I really appreciate it. I think it is time to introduce some clearer guidelines with toys, including a toy rotation. I am hopeful it will make a difference.
You are so kind and helpful here, on your blog, as well as at 4Real. You are a blessing!
Bumped into this post through Pinterest and love the Charlotte Mason quote. This week we are doing a J-term where the girls pick a topic and study it in depth on their own. They love it and it motivates them to get back to school after our Christmas holiday!
We love art and your art table ready for creativity is perfect. I need to be more organized in this way! Thanks for inspiring!
The link to the Eve Anderson's DVD has changed. You can find it here, http://www.perimeter.org/ls/bookstore/nature-study-eve-andersons-teacher-training-tools-dvd/dp/2339. Also, I was wondering if you purchased the other two videos that she has. If so, what did you think of them? Thanks!
Hi Stacy,
Thanks for updating the link to the Eve Anderson DVD!
Yes, I have all three of the Eve Anderson DVDs that Perimeter School makes available. They're all fantastic! Very helpful in the practicals and I learned so much from them. I highly recommend them!
[…] up here so I can show you my simple oilcloth projects and by way of showing you those, show you our new art center! Everything began with this old tv stand. No one has televisions that sit on top of large pieces […]
[…] Through a child’s eyes, everything is a wonder. And, if we marry that to Cholmondley’s idea, it is our job to nurture it – to provide a place for it in the day so that we may “put the child in the way.” […]
[…] Through a child’s eyes, everything is a wonder. And, if we marry that to Cholmondley’s idea, it is our job to nurture it – to provide a place for it in the day so that we may “put the child in the way.” […]
[…] ** all the learning spaces posts here ** A Detailed Look Through the Learning Spaces (2009) ** Putting the Child In the Way: The Art Center […]