Here are the first in a series of photographs I took to explore some of the creative spaces in the classroom. We've had several great opportunities this year to create some interesting spaces for the kids that they've really responded to. A big focus in the assessment of environmental standards for infant and toddler care is on the variety and ammount of objects contained in the care environment. While manipulative and sensory objects in the infant-toddler environment are essential, when they become the focus of the child's exploration conflict inevitably ensues. Because objects are easily possessed and accumulated, they can often make relationships with other children competitive, or threatening, no matter how many of a given object are located in the space. By contrast, large, open spaces invite children into relationship with each other, rather than into a focus on a toy. In the pictures below, a simple cardboard box with windows cuts out draws the children into games of hide and seek with one another as they surprise and laugh at one another, delighted at the smiling and familiar faces they find around each corner. While we will work with our kids on sharing toys and objects and playing collaboratively with them when the time becomes developmentally appropraite to do so, a simpler, more appropriate step in the meantime is to introduce them to spaces and opportunities where that kind of collaborative play occurs naturally. In the pictures below, you can see Boone, Jordan, Celia, Matthew, and Benjamin all interact with each other with fun and ease.
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