It’s already nearly the end of January! Where did the time go? And now is the time to start thinking about heading back to school.
For all our awesome Educators, it is also that time when we start to think about how we are going to set up our classrooms and how we are going to best inspire our new group of students this year.
Being an Early Childhood Educator myself, I know how important it is to create an inspiring yet practical learning environment for our little ones. That is why I am so passionate about sourcing incredible classroom and educational resources for you!!
Keep reading to find out my top tips for creating an inspirational learning space.
Create a Theme:
Find a theme for your classroom or learning space.
Some of my favourites include:
- Australiana
- Native Animals
- Indigenous Art
- Woodlands
Or, you could simply choose a colour palette like bright, neutrals, pastels, etc.
Let the kids see themselves in the space:
Include artwork or features like a Birthday Chart in the classroom that the children can participate in that allows them to feel like they belong in this space.
We have some incredible Birthday Charts available from Hello Whimsy. They are great quality and available in a range of designs. I am loving the NEW Native Animals Design! Check them out here.
Add in some Educational Artwork:
Why add in generic alphabet posters etc when you can stay true to your theme and make them look like a piece of art? We have a beautiful range of flash cards available to teach letters, numbers, colours etc. all in beautiful bespoke designs! Check out these beautiful Nature Alphabet Cards that are so eye-catching it would be almost impossible for your students to not learn the alphabet!
Be Inclusive:
We want all children and visitors to feel welcome and represented in their learning space. Including resources that allow them to feel represented really makes for an incredible learning space. Our Vintage Sign Language Poster is an incredible asset to any classroom and helps to teach the children the Alphabet in Sign Language.
We also have an incredible range of Indigenous Flash Cards and resources that are a beautiful addition to any classroom. Check out our range here.
Have a Magic Tool Kit:
A Magic Tool Kit? Yes, have a collection of resources available to you that can help to calm a nervous or overwhelmed child or allow an easily distracted child to focus.
Your Magic Tool Kit can seriously have the power to turn a child’s day completely around! It can be that magical!
Want to know my top picks to include?
Finger Tracing Calming Cards – These are beautiful cards that little and big people can use to practise mindfulness. Great for reducing anxiety, overwhelm and just getting restless minds to calm.
Matching Games – We have an incredible range of Wooden Disc Matching Games that are a great quiet activity.
Bean Counters – These beautiful felt pea pods are not only beautiful but a great counting exercise for little people.
And of course you cannot go wrong with a good range of books.
I hope you have found these tips & tricks useful. Don’t forget we offer an Educator’s Discount! All you need to do is sign up to our mailing list and agree to receive our monthly newsletter.
Its packed full of new arrivals, educational resources, and incredible accounts to inspire!
We would LOVE to see your completed learning space too! Feel free to tag us in your social media using @below.the.willow.tree
