Getting Ready for Children

Ideas that guide our work

De-clutter to provide focus Understand the impact of color Consider the use of light

Use lines and shapes with intention Give attention to details Combine design principles with early childhood goals

Where we started

Before After

Before After

How do each of these environments make you feel?

Surr

ound

ing

child

ren

with

an

asso

rtm

ent o

f ran

dom

images and print distracts and interferes with their ability to focus.

A cluttered space transformed with attention to color and light.

De-cluttering space opens pathways to new possibilities.

Designing a space with a new purpose

Understanding color

Color impacts behavior

How do the changes we made in this corner make you feel?

Why?

Before

After

How might this color impact behavior?

Use shapes, patterns and lines with intention

Our goal is to guide the eye and develop visual literacy.

Shapes and repeating patterns

Use color to follow and enhance shapes and pattern

Notice the combining of shapes and repeating patterns.

Can you identify the repeating lines and shapes in this space?

Can you identify the repeating lines and shapes in this space?

Can you identify the repeating lines and shapes in this space?

Developing visual literacy (distinguishing shapes, lines, patterns) is a stepping stone for learning about letters and numerals.

Children learn about letters not only from print

but from carefully placed lines and shapes in their environment.

Consider the use of light

Lights can soften be cozy invite mystery

Light can create a sense of wonder

Give attention to details

The relationship between color and repeating shapes can be seen in even the smallest of details.

Help children see details in the natural world.

Children are miracles.Believing every child is a miracle

can transform the way we design for children’s care.We make it our job to create, with reverence and gratitude,

a space that is worthy of a miracle. Anita Rui Olds.