It has been rather quiet around here, okay more like silent. The “quietness” is going to continue for about another week or so as I get myself organized (school starts this week) and our internet connection gets sorted. If you are on twitter, I will be posting random updates/photos via mobile phone here: @urbanpreschool

Below is a short list of blogs and websites that I visit frequently – people and organizations that I admire and look to for inspiration. Enjoy!

Bakers and Astronauts (Allie will be presenting at PechaKucha Night Brussels in September), 5×5x5creative, Atelierista-Anna, Turtlewings, Whole Education, Progressive ECE Blog, School within a School and Public Workshop

-> 40 minutes on the metro in the morning is a good thing with new posts by Atelierista-Anna

Quand les ailes s’en mêlent… from Guillemette-Lanthiez on Vimeo.

I have fallen in love with the mobiles of Guillemette Lanthiez. She aspires to create living architecture with these mobiles – the ‘volume is light and the scenery of each place is emotionally charged’.

“Guillemette Lanthiez est architecte d’intérieur. Dès l’obtention de son diplôme de l’ESAG Penninghen en 2006, elle rejoint la maison Chanel et y affine son goût du travail minutieux où la qualité prime. Aujourd’hui Free-lance, elle poursuit sa collaboration avec Chanel ainsi qu’avec différents architectes. Elle fait également partie du groupe d’artistes “Manjari & partners”, un lieu d’échange et d’inspiration autour de l’image.

Elle aspire à créer une architecture vivante, ou les volumes et la lumière font de chaque lieu des décors chargés d’émotions, qui se transforment, se modulent et deviennent acteurs.

Le mobile c’est une fascination d’enfant que Guillemette poursuit dans l’age adulte. C’est un révélateur de la présence de nos corps, de notre souffle. Comme dans un jeu, son équilibre est sans cesse remis en cause. Destiné à un lieu spécifique, il lui donne une âme unique et insaisissable, en constante mutation.
Guillemette crée ces mobiles spécialement pour les lieux que vous aimez et les adapte à votre espace.”

via Emilie

I am in constant dialogue with myself when it comes to storytelling – searching for new ways to engage children in language and the arts. Felt cut-outs and recycled cardboard are useful but at this stage in my teaching career, I feel the need to challenge myself to involve a more diverse range of materials within storytelling, for both myself and the children. I have always welcomed the use of whatever is available in the room or on the shelf closest to you when a child asks you to read a story but… my goal is to create a thoughtful collection, something more permanent. With an emphasis on reusing materials and objects that I already have within my home, I am determined to make props for each of the stories I have in my library before I head back to school September 1st.

This afternoon while browsing my inspiration folder, this photo by the talented Miss Yokoo has reminded me that no matter how fuzzy or twisty the scraps from these ‘homemade props’ may be, they are worth saving and sharing.

Art + Photo by Yokoo

I like the idea of art that is temporary; creating on a bare table top or a the edges of a bookshelf. If you do too, be sure to have adhesives and paper nearby – some children just aren’t willing to accept that their creations get picked up piece by piece and put back into a glass container for use another day.

During a recent trip to Amsterdam, we stopped in at Droog and I was very happy to see these Jar Tops available for purchase. I came across them online a couple of weeks ago and got to thinking that they would be a great asset to my classroom -promoting independence, fine motor skills and creativity. Reusing glass jars has always been a part of my practice, but these tops will allow for the jars in my collection to become more than just paint brush stands and pencil holders. I should have bought two sets!

Jar Tops by Jorre van Ast
“These functional screw caps fit on jars all over the world. Now you can re-use and preserve that memorable mustard jar from Dijon, France or that pickle Jar from Poland. Build your own personal collection.”

photo by xavier encinas— a treasure i found in the Mediterranean —

Happy Summer Everyone! Remember to eep an eye out for natural treasures and when you find them, keep them safe for you know that come the end of summer, those treasures will tell a tale.

Be safe and have fun!