Are children’s toys all over your place? While many of their knick-knacks still spark joy, it is recommended to set up a space for learning and play. Doing so could help children recognize routine, keep them focused, and even help lessen clutter in your abode.
You don’t need much space to establish your learn and play area. Just pick a spot with good lighting and ventilation, a safe environment, and fill it up with curated items that will encourage kids to learn while having fun. Here’s what you may need:
Table and chair for learning time
As your toddler gets older, he or she may spend more time working on the table, or learning to sit on chairs. You may invest in a stylish and ergonomic cube chair, which has two seating heights that will fit your growing child. Luciana’s Cube Learning Set (table plus chair) has no sharp edges and no unbalanced feet, which means less accidents. Montessori moms will surely love its neutral color. For those who want to merge style and purpose, you can check out Juju Nursery’s leather cushioned sofa.
Homeschooling essentials
Now that your little one is learning virtually, make sure that they have a cozy, comfortable, and conducive learning environment. Provide them with the tools that will make their remote learning experience better.
Kid-friendly headphones: The Curiosibox Volume Limit Headphones with 90 dB volume limit are ideal for children as they help prevent damage to young ears which can be caused by listening at volumes too high for too long, and are designed to fit comfortably on the ear even when worn for a long period of time.
Anti-radiation glasses: Protect their eyes from hours of screen time with the Blues Away Charlie Flexi Anti-radiation Glasses.
Laptop stand: Also, prevent neck and shoulder pain by placing their laptop on the Moft Air-Flow Laptop Stand.
Educational materials that spell fun
Children usually have a short attention span but if you give them something nice to tinker with, you just might see them spend hours of enjoyment.
Stickers: Playing with stickers help children improve dexterity. It offers them visuals that could help your child remember names for items. Try stickers on a blackboard too!
Crayons: Practice always makes perfect, so expose them to crayons of various sizes and shapes and see their grip vastly improve. Casually mention the colors while your toddler doodles to help him or her recognize shades. You’d be surprised that even a 2-year-old can identify the difference between Apricot and Orange!
Coloring books and boards: You will need a vast canvas for hours of coloring fun. Check out this detailed giant colouring roll or find age-appropriate coloring books for your toddler to enjoy.
Flashcards: Raise bilingual children with Filipino-themed flashcards. Learn new words together, or share uniquely Filipino stories of your childhood while playing with your child.
Puzzles: Help your child exercise his or her analytical and problem-solving ability with colorful puzzles. Whether your toddler is obsessed with fairies or astronauts, puzzles mean lotsa fun!
Books for the early reader: It’s never too early to introduce books to your kid. It’s the easiest way to learn, and it’s a perfect bonding activity for parents and children. Apart from ABCs, books also teach values. You can choose from a vast collection of books.
Texture play and building blocks
For better sensory play, expose your children to different textures. Make shapes with dough or experiment with slime! Kids are bound to get dirty, but it’s all part of the learning experience. (Or try this art smock for easier clean-up.)
Building blocks can meanwhile boost children’s imagination. Playing with building blocks is a perfect exercise for developing patience and creativity. You can choose plain blocks for their imaginative play, or offer character-based blocks to make them more interested.
Mats for play
Children like to sit on floors and could play there for hours. Setting up an area with a mat helps establish visual boundaries, and helps protect your kids from nasty floor bumps. You can easily clean it too. Pick one with letters and puzzles if you like, and that could help them learn the alphabet.
Organizers
Organizers are every mama’s best friend. Trolleys are a big hit these days and for a reason: they help you organize thingamajigs and it’s pleasing to the eye too. You can use it like a caddy and bring along should the child want a change of environment.
You can also compartmentalize tools per craft or school supplies per use. Put them in clear, durable pouches so you don’t have to open each one in case you’re looking for that sharpener.
