Free play toys/organization

[Dreamalittledream]

When I grow up I want to be just like Reggio. You are so right....I'm throwing away that darned plastic food as we speak

[Inspired by Reggio]

When I grow up I want to be just like Reggio. You are so right....I'm throwing away that darned plastic food as we speak

LOL - I do have 'some' plastic toys myself specially useful for outside cause they are 'weather resistant' ... I just slowly keep investing more in open ended ones like the yarn, river stones, boxes and so forth so that there are more open ended ones in the mix as well.

[Mamma_Mia]

I too hid all the plastic food! It drove me nuts!

I have colouring & crafts, paydoh, dress up gear, plastic food put in storage and bring that out once in a while. I have a ball pit but rule is the balls STAY inside! and books go into a hollow kids couch...before having lunch everyone cleans up and into the PROPER place :P

[Mamma_Mia]

Is everything put away and you pull it out at your discretion?

aside from a few things I listed above, everything is out for them to get/play with. Puzzles, dolls, kitchen sets, cars, train sets etc.

[playfelt]

Reggio I so agree with what you wrote. I stopped doing weekly themes for the same reason. Why should a child only be able to do dinosaur things during dinosaur week and then have to wait another year till it came across the cycle again. Those are the kind of things that are up on the shelf and all they have to do is ask but the blocks they use to build a landscape for them stay out because sometimes they are also for the wild animals. Usually I keep a couple dinosaurs down and then when they start using them I will ask if they want more or they will see the dinosaurs and ask if they can have more. But we then put the wild animals in their bin up on the shelf out of the way. The kids decide what the themes in each area of the playroom will be and how long they will last. I just keep adding to them as long as they last or entice them to switch if it is causing issues and to do that I would change out a few things on the weekend and they then have to ask if they want something back.

[mlc1982]

I too am a room changer! I am never quite happy with my set-up so I'm always looking for new ways to make it 'just right'. You do make a good point though Reggio, I know I would not be happy if someone came in and rearranged MY kitchen! I guess it just comes down to better organization so that EVERY toy isn't pulled down and dumped causing a tripping hazard or a big mess for ME to clean up (all the kids help but sometimes I want it done NOW so I help - a little OCD!! )

[mlc1982]

Thanks for posting a picture Reggio. I LOVE seeing how others have their places set up.

[mom-in-alberta]

Urrrrggghhh. For 2 1/2 years now I have been "planning" to organize a proper toy rotation. I don't know if it's a lack of time, or I feel like I don't have the extra money to spend on all the bins and shelving that I am envisioning or what.... it just hasn't happened.
However, our playroom is also set up in "stations". Artsy/drawing, imaginative/dress-up, blocks/building, large motor/ sports, and so on. I am also a rearranger of spaces. Both the playroom and my own home space. I am CONSTANTLY shifting beds, couches and tables around. Probably such a pain for my family...

[playfelt]

Thanks for posting a picture Reggio. I LOVE seeing how others have their places set up.

Me too. We need a special place on the forum for posting pictures that show our set up, how we do tasks like diaper change areas, store coats and extra clothing, set up the playhouse, block corner. A place we could go to for inspiration. It would also be good for those starting out because they could see ok if 90% of the people have a block area I should have one too in my home. I have a file on my computer of saved pictures I have found of ideas I liked but always looking for more. Need more ideas for outside landscaping that is daycare friendly - looks nice, challenges the kids but is not commercial. That is my goal for my yard.

[Cookie]

A special place on the forum for posting pictures would be awesome Playfelt! And posting pictures of outside too. For all the reasons you've just mentioned. I still get caught up in buying toys instead of using regular household items. This is such a great site for ideas and for being assured that we have similar challenges and questions