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The Homework Nook: The Bilibo

This is a fabulous tool that I spotted in a friend's 3rd grade classroom- the Bilibo.  She had four of them scattered around the room and her students used it as little chairs. They could sit in it during silent reading time or turn it around and use it as a "turtle shell" when working with a partner. 

Add it to your homework nook to create a special space for your little one to read and sit.  And, like the core ball, it allows children to wiggle, which after a long day at school is just what they need.  

Great for: Creating a special sitting space for little readers

Available at: Amazon 

 

The Homework Nook: 5 Ways to Create an Inviting Learning Space at Home

When my 8 month old starts school, I'd like to create a fabulous learning space for her at home.  Yes, she'll have the desk, the paper, and markers, but it will be a unique space that she'll love to work in.  I want to take some extra time creating an at home learning environment the same way I did for my students when I set up my classroom.  Teachers spend so much time creating a warm and inviting learning environment for their students. Why can't we do it at home too? Here's some inspiration...

1. Add a special flair to the learning space.  Whether it be sheers, beads, a whiteboard, or a gigantic stuffed animal, add something that makes it special and inviting to your child.

http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com/creative_organizing/2010/08/getting-organized-for-back-to-school-setting-up-a-homework-station.html

http://karenrussell.typepad.com/my_lifejust_not_on_the_ro/2008/03/their-room.html

http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/officecloset.jpg

2. We have them in classrooms. Why not add book bins or a special library area with throw pillows to your child's room? Make it a special where your child can relax and sink into a good book, or even just retreat to when he/she needs to cool off.  I'd even add a lamp and a plant and rotate books in and out every so often to keep things novel and exciting.

http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/officecloset.jpg

3. Create a writing center.  Have fun papers, pens and pencils, art materials, etc handy and organized. Introduce new mediums, tools every so often.  We want to inspire exploration, discovery, and learning.  Hey, a computer would be fabulous as well.

http://karenrussell.typepad.com/my_lifejust_not_on_the_ro/2008/03/their-room.html

4. How about a core ball instead of a chair?  Don't they have these at the Google offices? If that's too much for you, what about an air filled cushion for the young ones?  This helps with the wiggles.

http://askinyourface.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/FSP0142794_Veer.jpg

http://www.hgcorner.com/search.php?q=merchant:CSN+Fitness+Equipments:

5. Why not give a special name to this special space?  My personal favorite: "the cave".

Want to share photos of your homework nook?  Send them over!! We'd love more inspiration!