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| Katie Rose at 6, experiencing her first snow fall in SC.
By Mary Hill
Where did the time go? It seems to have melted away like snow. I remember being a mom of a toddler for such a short time.
She was two and loved Finding Nemo and Rainbow Fish. She enjoyed finger painting, playing with her dinosaurs, and reading her picture books. I wish I had taken more pictures of her room during those years. I remember converting her changing table into a book and toy shelf. We replaced her crib with a small toddler bed and bought her a book shelf and storage unit for more of her toys and books.
Then she turned three, and I had to go back to work as an emergent literacy specialist with the United Way’s Success by Six Program. After going for ECERS training at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute in 2006, I came home even more determined to ensure Katie Rose had quality opportunities for early learning in our home.
Using my ECERS training book as a guide, I tried to create my own learning centers in her small bedroom. I had to put most of the centers in small plastic storage bins which I labelled with pictures and stored by her toddler bed so that she could self select and pull her toys out with ease during play times. We didn’t have enough room to put up shelving units for centers; after all, she had to have her bed in room to sleep.
I believed in play and exploration. I filled those bins with blocks, stuffed animals, a tiny play dough kitchen, a riding tractor, a small farm display, and books that were available 24/7 at her level.
We had a Melissa and Doug art station too that she still has. It was complete with a side for painting and another side that had a chalk board. She had a musical center in a bin that she could pull out at anytime with a small keyboard, tambourine, rattles, and shakers from various cultures. I tried to create a drama center bin for her too. She had a play doctor’s kit complete with medical equipment and a doctor’s jacket. I added a traffic vest with a pretend flashlight to help direct imaginary traffic through her room. She had hats and other pretend play costumes. I placed books related to various themes with her costumes.
Her stuffed animals and dinosaurs along with a bug kit became her science center to which I added a bucket and toy shovel for her to play with outside in the planters we had on the back porch. She helped me plant flowers in the spring and mums in the fall.
She had a writing center in a small plastic three-drawer storage bin in her bookcase too complete with pens, pencils, crayons, and art pencils. I kept it stocked with a variety of notebooks that I bought from the Dollar Tree and Dollar General. I also put stickers of all types in the bin with stampers and daubers so that she could make her own picture books to read to me. Outside was also a big classroom for her in those early years. We roamed woods and streams collecting rocks and leaves. We traveled all over our Upstate South Carolina region on weekends visiting farms, historic places, and downtowns. My husband and I loved taking her to festivals to participate in the children zones where she painted and made crafts.
 (This is an excerpt and rough draft from my writing today for the November Writing Nonfiction challenge. I hope you are enjoying it so far. It is also my sixth personal but the 111th installment of Just Write, an exercise in free writing your ordinary and extraordinary moments. {Please see the details here.} )
Also joining these hops:
 The November 19th writing prompts to choose from are Fast and Smile.
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Very descriptive read. It reminds me of how my wife set up play areas for our boys when they were younger. Funny though, they were always into throwing even at a young age, so we had to set some rules that nothing could be thrown in the house that would leave a mark on a person, wall, etc. It didn’t work. We were repainting and spackling often… Boys will be boys….It is amazing how fast time flies and how important those younger years are to their development.
Thank you for sharing!
This brought back so many memories. When I was a first grade teacher I created many learning centers/stations in the room. The kids could choose one once they had finished their assignments. They were a huge success and really educational fun for the kids. 🙂
This brought back so many memories. When I was a first grade teacher I created many learning centers/stations in the room. The kids could choose one once they had finished their assignments. They were a huge success and really educational fun for the kids. 🙂
We have homeschooled since 1997, and this is just the thing young homeschool parents need to read and do. So, many times I have seen new homeschoolers asking about curriculum for their 3-5 year olds, this is what they need not a bunch of book work.
I like this post, Mary. I’ve been meaning to do something in our room and this post came in the right time. Thanks ;o)
I like this post, Mary. I’ve been meaning to do something in our room and this post came in the right time. Thanks ;o)
Your daughter was blessed to have a mom this devoted to enrichment and learning experiences. I’m certain it has had a lasting effect on her life. Children who are taught to love learning new things grow up to be adults who continue to love to learn! You did an awesome job, Mary!
The set up of her toys sound similiar to my daughters. My husband and I are both teachers so that whole learning centers ideal directed my organization of their playroom. The November Writing Nonfiction challenge sounds cool. Nonfiction has been my interest this past year. Thanks for sharing from your other writing.
I recall a recent post where you were celebrating her birthday! Fun to see the years pass here…and that huge smile! Hey, you should be getting your journal tomorrow! WOOHOO!
Yippee! I got it yesterday. Meant to let you know. It is beautiful and I so appreciate it. 🙂
This a delight to read and now I must explore your site for more of your writing.