Summer Reading Recommendations: Learning At Home
A reader recently asked about my recommendations for books on setting up creative learning spaces. She specifically wanted to know about books inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. It got me thinking that I should put together a list of my all-time favorite resources- not only for setting up learning spaces, but also for expanding creative learning opportunities at home.
Learning At Home
With school out for the summer, you might be wondering how to keep your kids engaged in educational activities in a way that is fun and creative. Here is my list of recommended resources.
(This post contains affiliate links)Creative Learning Spaces
- Designs for Living and Learning (Reggio Inspired)
This is a book for preschool environments, but it is still an inspiring read if you want to learn more about the relationship between children’s learning and our physical surroundings. It also has plenty of ideas that can be adapted for the home. I have the 1st edition, but you might want to go for the updated, 2nd edition if you decide to get it (if you’re concerned about cost you can get a used copy of the 1st edition for much less).
- Children, Spaces, Relations (Reggio Children Publication)
This book is a very academic read with beautiful photos. It is the result of research done on the physical characteristics of preschools in Reggio Emila, Italy. I have to warn you that it is relatively expensive and I wouldn’t recommend it for a light read, but it is still very fascinating.
- Tinkering Spaces (blog series from Tinkerlab)
- The New Playroom (my e-guide)
- Reggio-Inspired Outdoor Learning Environments (blog post from Let The Children Play)
Art Activities
- The Artful Parent (blog and books)
- Babble Dabble Do (emphasis on science and engineering)
The Best All Around Reggio-Inspired Home Education Resources
(Reading, writing, math, science, art, outdoor education)
- Playful Learning (up to age 12)
- An Everyday Story (for young children)
- Project-Based Homeschooling (is worthwhile even if you don’t homeschool. The author also has a blog)
What are your favorite resources for learning at home? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Thank you for the link to Babble Dabble Do, I have not heard of this blog. I think you and The Artful Parent were the first art blogs I started following, and from there learned of Tinkerlab, then Meri Cherry and Art Bar. Now, if I could find a blog that gives me the formula for getting my kids to clean up the art room every night, that would be golden!
Thanks, Georgine! I remember you commenting on The Littlest Birds Studio way back when. Glad to know my work is still useful :)
I think you’ve given me a topic for my next post!
This is such a good list, and thank you for mentioning my blog!!! I am compiling my “Resources” page for my book and would love to add a few of these. My editor just told me I need to cut 10 more pages (after I have already cut 34!!) so I think the resources that I have spent 2 weeks compiling is now going to be online and not in the book. Which is actually better because I can continue to add to i!! You always have the best tips and ideas, Megan! xo Bar
Thanks, Bar! I agree, putting a ton of resources online is probably better than putting it all in the book anyway. Can’t wait to see it come to life :)
Is that a supply caddy (blue with the handle) in the picture? Where did you get it? I love that!
Hi Christy,
Yes, that’s an art caddy from The Land of Nod. Here is the link: http://www.landofnod.com/i-couldve-bin-an-art-caddy/f10819 It’s my favorite art caddy for kids.