“Kid O is dedicated to enriching the play and learning experiences of preschool children at home. We provide families with the products, tools, and experiences they need to support their children’s journey toward becoming life-long learners and confident, independent adults. Everything we do and sell communicates our belief that children are competent, rich in potential, and worthy of respect and beauty.”

I can’t find the words to express how happy I was to discover this boutique and that “the Reggio Emilia Method is one of the educational philosophies from which Kid O derives inspiration and guidance in choosing toys and learning material.”

I look forward to visiting Kid O the next time I am in NYC.

3191 is a joint photography project between Maria Vettese and Stephanie Cogdon Barnes. They live three thousand one hundred and ninety-one miles apart (as the car drives, not as the crow flies), wake up early and take a photograph each morning, to share that day.

With only four days left of their year of mornings, I was happy to read that their project has been picked up by Princeton Architectural Press and “A Year Of Evenings” will begin January 15th.

Congratulations on the book ladies!

Julia Rothman, an illustrator and pattern designer, shares her love for books with us via her blog Book By It’s Cover – she recently celebrated her 200th post – Congratulations!

Julia writes reviews, has guest write reviews and posts photographs of books under these categorizes: Children’s, Comics, Design, Fine Art and Other.

I heart books!

This photo was taken by my friend Irene while visiting Le Petit Palais in Paris, with her five year old son Sean’s, class. “The exhibit is called “Les 5 sens” (The Five Senses) and through paintings and sculptures, the children were able to experience four of the five senses (taste was left out). The educator had the children smell things and then identify what they were with the help of the painting or sculpture (of fruits for example). They also touched wood and steel and were asked to find the items that were made of wood and steel in the painting.”

Personalize your child’s learning at home with a little help from Goosie.

“Goosie was founded by a mother who has a passion for children. She created GoosieTM flash cards out of her desire to teach her child about their family through family photos. Her company and brand is built on her philosophy and values as a parent. She believes in parents and their ability to inspire learning in their children through sharing experiences together.”

I am not a fan of the name or of the website but the concept is ingenious. I know so many families who are away from their extended family and work hard at building and maintaining relationship through photos, phone calls and phrases like ” Aunt Jeanne sent you that book, you remember Aunt Jeanne”.

Visual representations are essential tools for learning but a set of store bought flash cards is often limited to the alphabet, colors and shapes. These cards allow you to personalize your child’s learning and make it fun. I can just imagine the excitement a toddler would have learning the words for things he/she sees in their home everyday or the look on his/her face when Aunt Jeanne walks through the door.