Childspace

Oh my. Sensory play for the win.

This went on for HOURS. So much cooperation, imagination, and engagement.

• hair conditioner + cornstarch “ice cream”
• dyed rice “sprinkles”
• foam bath soap (Mr. Bubbles brand)
• plastic cones and scoops

Recently, L (almost 5) was telling me about getting her face painted, and reminded me that we had face paint. We couldn’t find any left, so I let her look at options online, and she chose the set she liked. I ordered it. We talked about how it would likely come the next day.

Today, we checked Amazon and saw that our face paint would be here between 10 am and 3 pm. We looked at the clock. I told her to listen for the delivery truck and let me know if she saw it arrive. (Oh, the patience that required!).

Choosing the face paint herself was the first sign of something important: L was stepping into the role of organizer, creator, and host. This wasn’t just about face paint. It was about having an idea and seeing it all the way through.

When the set arrived, we unpacked it. She studied the colors, tested one out, and began thinking about who she wanted to invite. She made her list thoughtfully, moving through the process with a quiet confidence that was wonderful to witness.

By the time her friends arrived, she was ready — paints laid out, a small stool positioned just so for whoever sat down first.

Her friends gathered with excitement, and L did something remarkable: she listened. Each friend had a different request. A pink butterfly. A rainbow. Cheetah spots. Superheroes. Rather than defaulting to one design she knew well, L took each request seriously, asked clarifying questions (“Do you want the wings to be purple or blue?”), and got to work. She moved with focus and care, steadying her hand, checking in with her friends as she went. The mirror was close by so they could check the progress.

The line was patient because L made it feel worth the wait. Friends who were waiting watched with anticipation, cheering when a design came together. There was a natural give-and-take in the group — suggestions offered, laughter shared, the easy rhythm of children who feel safe and seen. L held the center of it all, calm and engaged, fully in her element.

What unfolded in L's face paint studio was rich with learning. She practiced sustained attention and fine motor control as she blending colors, and added linework. She exercised leadership and communication — hearing what her friends wanted and responding with care and skill. And underneath all of it was something deeper: the confidence that comes from having an idea, making it real, and sharing it with the people you care about.

L, you are a planner, an artist, and a generous friend. We can’t wait to see what you dream up next.

Learning Domains Observed
Autonomy & Agency — Selected materials, organized the activity, and led it independently
Fine Motor Development — Controlled lines, color mixing, and detailed application
Social & Emotional Learning — Active listening, turn-taking, responding to peers’ requests with care
Communication & Language — Asked clarifying questions, negotiated designs, engaged in sustained peer conversation
Executive Function — Planning ahead, sequencing steps, maintaining focus across multiple tasks

Why is it that we so love to frighten parents? We tell parents of infants that they’re going to damage their children for life. We tell parents of preschoolers that their children have to learn x or y to be ready for school. We tell parents of school age children that they should be terrified of the teen years. We give disapproving looks. We insist on “facts” about child development and psychology that are not backed up by the research. We try to get people to do what we think is best by telling them that their kids are going to be ruined if they don’t do what we say. Visible Child is issuing a protest.

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Sharing is not caring. Can we please stop saying this to children?

Need more info on this topic? I highly recommend "It's Okay Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids by Heather Shumaker

After the long weekend, our friends returned and were so engaged and busy with their ideas.

I’m so honored to be able to observe their creations, thoughts, ideas brought to reality.

Whether it be with markers, paint, playdough, blocks, or through dramatic play, their ideas just expand and become bigger than I ever expected.

Hot spots in the yard today?
• Potions
• Glue board
• Stickers + markers

And so much more I did not catch with my camera.

LET THEM PLAY!

Our last few weeks have been so lovely… new additions to our outdoor space and awesome weather have opened up so many new play ideas and deeper exploration and engagement.

Mark making >> I’m noticing the group’s art has begun to enter new stages. The potato people have arrived! And everyone is noticing the letters for their name and their friends’ names.

Cooperative play >> Feeding the cows has been an ongoing project. What do cows eat? Who cares for the baby cows when the mommy cow has to go to Costco? (For real, this has come up!)

Community >> This group of children show me everyday how loving and caring they are with each other. And seeing them love on the cats has been such a beautiful thing.

Early numeracy >> One child’s noticing of numbers has led to discussions and experiments with counting out objects, talking about more/less, biggest/littlest, and even patterning.

Extra bonus content if you’ve made it this far >>
“Michelle! My heart is pouncing so hard! Want to feel?”-L, after running super fast. 😍

“These are my shoulder pants. I’ve never had shoulder pants, have you?” -C, telling me about their new overalls.

“Do you like our makeup?” - L, L, and M, showing off their sidewalk chalk bronzer. 😂

Play is not separate from learning.
It is learning.