The following is reprinted from an interveiw with a freelance reporter that I did, but I thought the tips might be helpful to all of you!
Q. I know that you have extensive mothering experience.
What do you consider the particular curiosities ; interests ; needs ;concerns and fascinations of the preschooler that one might want to tap into when decorating a room
to support the "learning while they live" approach to decorating?
A. Preschoolers are all about learning, but they do most of their learning through play and imagination. I think it's important to provide environments that support that imagination play, and allow them to be creative. While most of us are aware of the academic introduction to children this age in letters and numbers, kids also need to be able to explore with their imaginations in every way possible.
Q. Choosing as many as possible of the primary curiosities , needs etc (mentioned by you above) - what structures ; colours ; shapes ; textures ; objects could one use in decorating child-friendly spaces of the home in order to
foster the acquisition and reinforcement of these skills and curiosities?
Please illustrate with concrete examples if possible.
A. There are many ways to provide an environment to foster childrens exploration, and it doesn't require lots of money. Their academic learning can be stimulated by providing lots of books, freely available in their space, or something as simple as sponging letters, words and numbers on their walls with paint. Providing small chalkboards or dry erase boards are a great way to get kids to experiment with spelling, or you can buy chalkboard paint and turn a whole wall into a learning experience quite inexpensively.
Imagination should take equal priority in a childs room, because it is through play a child learns the most. Find out what your child is really interested in, then turn it into a theme for the room. This could be something as simple as their favorite colors, or as elaborate as a princess kingdom complete with throne headboard and muraled walls. Forget fear of decorating and let your child's enthusiasm give you confidence. They are NOT art critics! There is so much you can do with a little imagination and inexpensive materials. Allow for functional pieces in the room, including a place for them to draw and read. Provide a box full of clothing for them to play dress up and explore roles, blocks for them to build fanciful structures(you can make wooden blocks quite simply and cheaply with 2x4's, a good saw, and some sandpaper), and again, plenty of books. Get a library card for your child, ancourage them to draw pictures of the books they read, and hang those pictures proudly in their rooms. Give them something to care for, be it a fish, a plant, or a treasure from the family. (Make sure you supervise this "caretaking", and concentrate on the successes, not the failures!)
Q. To foster independence , self-esteem , creativity - what if any level of preschooler participation in the decorating process should be allowed or encouraged? Explain with examples if possible.
A. Children must be included in decorating your own rooms, because as they are trying to foster their own independence, even at this young age, they will appreciate and enjoy much more something they had a part in creating. Allow them to talk about what they would want in their rooms, then help them to come up with a drawing you can both agree is possible. Don't make the drawing too detailed, as children at this age take things more literally than we do, and you might find a very upset 4 year old who doesn't understand why the drawing has toys on all the shelves that he doesn't own!("So, when are we going to the toy store, Mom?" is NOT what you want to hear!)
Q.Are there any taboos when decorating a preschooler's room to foster "learning while they live".
A. The only caution I have with kids of this age is that safety must always be top priority. Large objects must be secured to wall studs, don't use any fabrics or cords they can get tangled up in, check your blinds for cords that can choke a young child, and use socket plugs in every outlet. There is a great website called safechild.net to check out more ideas for protecting your kids.
Q. Can you suggest any ways of making other rooms like the kitchen and bathroom preschool friendly and preschool educatonal without overwhelming the other members of the family of other age-groups?
Provide storage space for them to keep their own towels, toothbrushes, and bubble bath. Keep stools available to make it easy for them to foster some independence in daily care of themselves. Encourage their participation in the kitchen, but make sure to teach them to always have help from an adult. Review safety rules with them every time they cook. Keep pot handles turned in, and try to cook on the back burners. Keep knives in a latched drawer. Give them their very own stirring spoon. Let them help plan a menu. Teach them to set the table and use table manners. It isn't necessary to turn every room of your house into a playground in order to provide a great place for your kids to learn to be their best!
Q. Do you have any other comments for me , born of your experience as a mother or a decorator?
A. When you are decorating for children, remember that you are decorating for them, not for yourself. You may not like that particular shade of purple they chose for their room, but if it really delights the child, consider using it anyway. I always wanted to turn one of my kids rooms into an ocean wonderland, but none of them were ever interested in it. But, even though I didn't get my waterworld, I have gotten great pleasure from watching my children learn and grow in environments that were right for THEM. Above all, enjoy your children and this time with them, as all too quickly, you will be teaching them to drive a car and helping them pick their college!
