Casa Maria's Creative Learning Zone

Light, Loose Parts, and Big Ideas

A light panel, a lazy Susan, magnetic tiles, dollar store stir sticks, and decorative shapes removed from a set of string lights inspired hours of exploration.

As light moved through the materials, the children created towers, patterns, pathways, and designs while experimenting with color, balance, and space. With no set outcome, they followed their ideas, collaborated with friends, and discovered new possibilities through play.

The invitation was simple; the children’s ideas did the rest.

Learning Together, Growing Together

The Beauty of a Living Classroom. ❤️
A classroom doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful.

It needs to feel welcoming.

It needs to invite children to explore, create, ask questions, and share their ideas.

It needs to make room for curiosity, possibilities, joy, and belonging.

This space is a work in progress, and perhaps that is what I love most about it.

Because learning is a work in progress, too.

Since 2007, Salad Spinner Process Art has been one of our favorite art experiences. Children are always fascinated by the movement, color mixing, and surprise that comes with each spin. Nearly 20 years later, it continues to inspire creativity, exploration, and joy.

Thank you, Lisa Murphy from Ooey Gooey, Inc , for inspiring me to bring this engaging process art experience to the many children who have been part of my preschool journey over the years.

The Sweet Taste of Summer

Now Accepting Enrollments

Fill in the blank:
One term I wish would disappear from early childhood education is __________.
Comment below.

Mindful Art
Watching her paint yesterday got me thinking about mindfulness.

We often think mindfulness means sitting quietly, but sometimes it looks like a child completely focused on mixing colors, making brushstrokes, and watching paint move across the paper.

No directions. No right or wrong way to do it. Just being fully caught up in the moment.

This is an idea I’ve been exploring lately. I’m curious about how mindful art can be nurtured within my program, what conditions help it flourish, and how it might support children’s learning and well-being. I’ll be sharing more thoughts, observations, and discoveries as I continue to explore this idea.