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

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.”

A professor of design and technology at Parsons The New School for Design talks about the value of games and the empowerment of play.

Discussion Questions (edutopia.org)
1. What are the benefits of kids learrning to be designers?
2. Can games help kids build confidence? Why, or why not?
3. Is there educational value to video games? If so, share specific examples.
4. How can teachers and parents use the social nature of games to connect with kids?
5. How can games and game design principles be used in the larger curriculum, especially with assessment?

Building, Designing, Exploring, Imagining, Teaching, Thinking

“A cheerleader of possibility, Public Workshop is dedicated to helping individuals, schools and communities achieve great things through design. We create projects, tools and events that help people positively change the places they live, work and play.”

“Leah Dieterich’s mother always told her to write thank you notes. So she does. To everything. thxthxthx is her daily exercise in gratitude.”

via seven25