"The objects surrounding the child should look solid and attractive to him, and the house of the child should be lovely and pleasant in its particulars; for beauty in the school invites activity and work."
Maria Montessori
One of my favourite ways to spend a relaxing Sunday is to visit a local antique store in my town. They refresh their wares on a regular basis and it's inspiring to wander the store and see the new arrivals. I love to find unique objects and imagine how they might be used by children during free play. Sometimes objects are a vintage model of what we already have - I'd much rather offer a solid metal scale for measuring than a flimsy plastic one. Other times unfamiliar objects become invitations for exploration and play as children have not had previous experience with the new resource. Providing something interesting and unique in the learning centers for them to discover has led to some amazing questions and explorations. Children attempt to discover what a new object might be and for what other purposes they can use it.
Visitors to our space are surprised to see the delicate materials being used by children. I'm often asked how fragile objects are not damaged, and if children take care of the resources properly. I believe that because children consider themselves equal members in a democratic space they value their beautiful learning environment and strive to care for all materials. Do things sometimes get broken? Absolutely! But this is a rare occurrence and when it does happen it provides an excellent moment for reflection and learning so that children take care to ensure materials are safely cared for.
Visitors to our space also ask how I am able to acquire such interesting materials without spending a lot of personal money to do so. As a scavenger I am always on the look out for vintage items; I love to spend rainy Sundays in second hand shops looking for things that can be easily fixed up and used in the classroom. Families are also quick to donate items from their homes and yards, especially after an open house when they see just how children incorporate materials into their play. Sometimes colleagues, my own extended family and other community members will offer things they no longer need. Sending letters home to families and posting for specific items I am hoping for on social media has also resulted in some amazing items being added to our space. Because I have taught for 20+ years I have acquired quite the interesting collection! It takes time and patience to build a complex space.
Offering antiques and vintage items in the classroom not only beautifies the space, it offers many other learning opportunities for children:
- children learn about how materials and lifestyles have evolved throughout the years (e.g., learning how rotary phones evolved to dial and eventually to wireless smart devices)
- children appreciate how materials can be recycled, reused and even upcycled in place of always purchasing something new
- the classroom begins to take on an interesting eclectic flavour that can represent the spirit and history of the local community
- statement pieces can spark in depth inquiries or creative explorations (e.g., researching the purpose of an unknown object, writing about the history of an object)
- children can also explore cultural and historical significance of pieces and use them to learn more about the past
- children can emotionally connect with the aesthetics of a piece and hold wonder and curiosity for their environment
- sharing the theories children have for vintage items beyond the walls of the classroom (e.g., social media, newsletters, documentation) helps showcase young children as capable and creative and might inspire further donations
Over the years I have replaced plastic, commercial toys in our classroom with found and recycled objects. It's taken years to curate a classroom filled with wonder and excitement and I'm eager to continue this journey with the children in the upcoming school year. What unique objects are valued in your classroom? Share your ideas in the comments below or share on social media tagging @McLennan1977!
