Kids Centers

The teacher inside of me really wanted to give the kids a space where they can move from different centers and would keep them entertained. This is just the start and I am no way near done with the space, but I used what we had, along with a few purchases that weren’t too costly. I have a wish list of things I want to purchase to finish the space.  Here are some of the centers.

 Art Center

We got this easel from Ikea for $14. I know it is something Alohi loved to do at her daycare and the price was too good to pass up. I cleaned out a frosting tub and kept it for when we paint, to use to put water in to wash paint brushes. The green baskets I found at the dollar spot in Target, so I have a place to keep crayons, color pencils and markers. Under the easel I have two riding toys that kids can ride on if needed. 

Organizational Bins & Storage

The brown thing, I got from my father. It was originally in my classroom and I was going to organize my math manipulatives, but since I am no longer in the classroom I have different craft things stored in there that I can use with the kids.  Example things… pipe cleaners, stamps, foam stuff, stickers, paper, scissors, etc. You get the idea.

Next to the brown thing, is a storage set up we picked up at Ikea. It was on sale, and I couldn’t pass it up because I knew it would fit in that exact space near the steps.  In the bins, I have different activities both kids can pull out to do. For example, legos, kitchen cooking supplies for kitchen center, wooden train set (thank you Ikea) & cars to be used on the race car carpet, puppets for when I get the $$ to make the puppet theater to go in the door way, and I few other toys that can be rotated in and out.  I love this organization thing because Alohi knows which bin she can pull out for each activity she wants to do and I have her clean that activity up before she can move on to another activity (I know… I’m a mean mommy, but when she gets to school she will need to know these skills).  I just can’t wait for Po’okela to be old enough to uses these centers too!

Kitchen Center

 

Alohi loves to cook!! She got her kitchen from Santa at her first Christmas and it is wonderful! She can pull out her bin of kitchen supplies and can play for a long time. She uses the race car rug as her picnic set up! It’s so cute when she gets her animals and has everything set out!  She played for nearly an hour just at this center!

Teacher's Corner

 This is going to be our “school” like center. I want to put up a calendar, weather wheel (like this), something with the alphabet, shapes, colors and numbers. We will do different activities incorporating those things as well as any other sit down school type stuff.  It can also be a location for her to do quiet activities. This center will be the most structured.

Reading Corner & Sensory Bin

I have this book shelf that has different types of books for Alohi on the top shelf. She can read in the little chairs. On the bottom shelf, I have books that Po’okela will be able to pull off and read. There are a few toys that Po’okela can play with too! I’m hoping to add some shelfs (spice racks from Ikea) that I will be able to put some books that I will showcase each week that we check out from the library. 

Sensory Bin-- Dyed Rice

right now there is just a container with dry rice that has been dyed. (I’ll blog about this process next) We have 4 different colors of rice and the kids will be able to use our summer sand or outdoor toys to play here (I’m still trying to find those toys from our boxes). I would like to purchase a rug to put it on to mark the space that the kids will need to stay in.  I do have dreams of alternating this center to a water station or sensory type activities (play dough, shaving cream, goop, etc.).  My only fear for this center is the mess it can create, but being a teacher I’ll just hopefully establish the expectation of how to play at this center.  

Colorful Bins

 Here I have the bins filled with different types of toys that the kids can get into. On the bottom, I have things for Po’okela to get into to and play with. The next row, I have a bunch of toys both kids can play with, but mostly Po’okela because it’s at a level for him to reach when he gets to sitting by himself.  Then I have instruments that Alohi can play; flute, jingle bells and congo drums.  Her keyboard sits on the reading book self. And lastly on the top are things just for Alohi.  I like these bins because I can move them to different parts of the room and have the kids play by themselves or together. 


So this is what the room looks like from the bottom of the stairs. 

Wish List for the Room

1 - This chair from Ikea. Its a couch, but can also fold down into a bed. I know we really don’t need a bed, but eventually we will have guests and having an extra bed will be helpful. Also, our kids will continue to grow and they will have sleepovers or at least I hope they will want sleepovers, but it would be a fun place for them to sleep with their friends.

2 - An end table I think… but not sold on anything yet.

3 - A wall mounted tv for this room, but not sure which wall I would mount it to. (Rylan's favorite)

There is a puppet station that I hope to make as well that will go into one of the doorways.  I hope to rotate other things that we have collected and change out toys/centers that way the kids don't get bored.  I do need to add a few more of Po'okela's stuff down here, like his play mat and exersuacer, but right now he is normally sleeping when we are playing down here. In the next month or so, he should drop a nap and we can spend time down here more. I do want to put up something on the walls to display kids art work and pictures, but I’m waiting to do that last.

I’m hoping to have lots of fun memories in this space!  Here's a couple of pictures of the kids using the space.