A Play-Space Project for an "Under Two Crew" UPDATE!

Since first publishing this post, the spaces were updated and photographed. I wanted to share with you the pictures of how things are, currently! 

 

 

 

I just received a Melissa and Doug order to put the finishing touches on the latest Learning by Design project!

A modest amount of items, admittedly, but fun and purposeful, nonetheless. 
These items will be distributed to two mamas who share a nanny and their girls spend time at both houses. 

Let me tell you a little about the project and the items I chose to bring into their spaces. 
The girls (15 mos. and 10 mos.)  spend time at each other's houses, along with their nanny's daughter (15 mos.) Their nanny will also soon be bringing her newborn baby girl. The days are active and busy to say the least with soon-to-be 4 little ones under 2 all under one roof!

For any age, but especially under 2, I'm a big fan of making the most out of household items for playtime. Little ones can be content for quite some time with baskets, boxes with lids, and pots and pans. I never want my Learning by Design clients to feel pressured to buy items that their children will soon outgrow. There are, however, some classic items I feel are essential to a play space that can be used for years to come. 

At our initial consultation we discussed the core areas of development and the skills they include and I made some recommendations for this sweet group of girls.
Here is what I suggested: 
Health/Physical (gross/fine motor, health/safety)

• Baby doll
• Push toy
• Ride-on toy
• Foam blocks
• Fabric in wipes container

Language (read, write, speak, listen)

• Front-facing bookshelf
• Textured letters
• Farm Set
• Magnet and felt board
• Play kitchen

Cognition (Mathematical/Scientific Thinking)

• Single piece puzzles
• Magnifying glass
• Water blocks/discovery bottles

Approaches to Learning (problem-solving and sequencing)

• Stacking rings & Nesting cups
• Shape sorter
• "Fill and spill" buckets

Social/Emotional (feelings, music, art, practical life)

• Shaker eggs
• Play food
• Mirror
• Facial expression pictures
• Art supplies

         

We worked together to sort out which items they already had, which could be made and what was left to be added. This is what I included from Melissa and Doug and why:
1. Jenna Baby Doll: since there will soon be a newborn in this group of playmates, I thought it wise to have a 'baby' to practice being gentle with and to hug, hold and feed. 

2. Shape Sorter: this is a great tool for problem-solving and beginning math skills.

3. ABC Nest/Stack Blocks: these introduce math concepts, problem-solving and the ABC's add a literacy component as well. 

4. Tools Fill and Spill: I am all about discouraging gender stereotypes (especially with toys) so this group of girls can try their hands at some "fixing up" with these soft tools. 

5. Play Food: so many language and practical life skills can be built with this must-have for a play space at any age. 

So there you have the recommendations component of the latest Learning by Design project. 
I'll do a follow-up post when all the elements are in place with some of the DIY toys and photos of the final product!