Habitat Kid

LEARN: RAFA-kids K Desk

Today I got a Land's End catalog in the mail that showed some too-perfect children toting new backpacks with big letters underneath saying "IT'S TIME!" Wait, what? Don't try to cut my summer short, people. And don't even think about saying those three words: Back. To. School. 

Ok, who am I kidding. I'm stoked for back-to-school. But it did make me a little teary thinking that yes, summer WILL come to an end one day and I just can't deal with that quite yet. But for those of you who just love the thought of buying back-to-school clothes and school supplies, here's a product that might interest you. A desk. Doesn't that sound exciting?? Go on, try it on your kids. Tell them you got them this awesome present and when they beg and plead for you to tell them what it is, announce with great excitement: "A desk!" They will collapse with glee, I tell you.

So maybe they won't get as excited about this desk as I am. It's gorgeous. It's wood. It has pretty lines. It hides clutter. All the things I like. It can be used open or closed (depending on how pretty the contents are, of course) and I love the size and visual lightness of the whole thing. And naturally, you have to get the X stool to go with it, which will be available soon. (Desk is currently available for pre-order with delivery scheduled for September). Yes folks, Rafa-kids has done it again. Those Dutch, I tell you. Always up to something wonderful.

LEARN: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Can I get a "Hey!" from all of you parents who are celebrating the first days of school?? Yeah, I get it now. You just can't put a price tag on this alone time thing. London was excited and raring to go to her third year of preschool, and I was so grateful for her wonderful teachers and for an easy transition back into the classroom. She didn't want to leave her friends after school ended - so cute to see these bonds of friendship start to form. How was your first day??

LEARN + PLAY: LEGO's "Capital of Children"

Denmark seemed pretty cool to me before, but now it's positively oozing awesomeness. LEGO has it's sights set on making its headquarters in Billund, Denmark the "Capital of Children." A series of impressive projects are being rolled out, including The International School of Billund (opening August of this year). School standards are set by the international baccalaureate and the Danish school system while combining LEGO’s creative and playful approach. Other projects include multiple playgrounds around the city, a historical tour walking trail, and a LEGO experience center where academic learning will combine with play for all ages to enjoy. Even local stores will be able to apply for  a "Children Welcome Quality Mark" if they host child-friendly activities, which can range from a bakery who lets children help decorate cakes to a pharmacy with microscopes that children can look through. I am so impressed by the efforts that are being made to plan an entire community around children and even invite them to observe the more adult aspects of daily life.

All images courtesy Capital of Children

LEARN: Money Skills

So turns out Sharpie marker on the face isn't as terrible as I thought. I was sure it wouldn't come off for a week, but skin is pretty tough stuff. A few days was all it took and some scrubbing, although not nearly as much as I had imagined. Whew! It was nice to have my daughter back instead of Twinkles the Kitty. I've been thinking about a conversation I had with a friend last week about allowance. It got me wondering if maybe it is time to start teaching London about money, especially since now she is starting to ask for things while we shop. Putting the responsibility back on her shoulders seems like a healthy parenting move that could teach self-discipline and the virtue of patience. (Something too many kids are lacking today!) Of course that means a piggy bank is needed...here are some cute ones I like. #1 totally cracks me up!

1. Miss Monnipenni Piggy Bank, Kido Store  2. Still Life Series by Studio Job for Makkum, Unica Home  3. Bear Bank, Alder & Co  4. Golden Ostrich Egg Bank, Uncommon Goods  5. Bank in the Form of a Pig by Harry Allen for Areaware, Unica Home  6. Circo Chalkboard Piggy Bank, Target

LEARN: Fiep Westendorp Library by Dave Keune

I truly hope that libraries will be around forever, despite advances with technology. Helping our children to love the library is key in this of course, and I'm grateful that many libraries the world over are revamping their children's sections into places where they will actually want to spend time. (Although I must say, I resent when there are computers in the children's area! Get them away from the screen and into books! Trust me, they will pick the computer every time and in my opinion, that defeats the whole purpose of trying to get them reading!) Ok, I'm off the soap box now. :) I'm super impressed with this library at a children's primary school in Amsterdam, designed by Dave Keune. Dave has created some pretty amazing products and furniture for children (see here and here) and I'm glad they picked him to do this project. The spiral design draws you in and the shelves are arranged by age: older kids can find things to read on higher shelves, the younger ones can reach the lower ones. The simple wooden construction make the colorful books stand out and there is even a cozy reading corner incorporated into the design. I love it all!

LEARN: Swedish Preschool Förskolan Ugglan

As the snow falls outside my window, I am sitting cozied up to the fireplace enjoying pictures of this tastefully designed preschool in Sweden by 3dO Architects. I love the circular design, the white walls so often seen in Scandinavian interiors, the huge play area in the middle of the structure, and the colorful patterns created on the turf outside. What a fun place to learn and play in the heart of a big city.

Photos by Kasper Dudzic and Richard Törsleff of 3dO  \\ Found via Big Play

LEARN: Avery Coonley Playhouse

In my search for playhouses last week, I came across this gorgeous school designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright. Much more than just a playhouse, this was built as a kindergarten facility in 1912. The 100-year old house lies in Chicago and window designs based on balloons and confetti, with the colored side of the glass facing inward. The pattern is said to be one of Wright's best. The windows are replicas of the originals, but you can still see the originals at various institutions and museums around the U.S. With back-to-school season in full swing, isn't it fun to imagine dropping your child off for school every day here? Hard to believe that something that fits so perfectly in today's modern world was built a century ago.

via The Frank Lloyd Wright Tour (info), Waymarking (1st four photos), and Brain Pickings (last photo)

LEARN: New Amsterdam Early Childhood Center

Today was London's very last day of preschool here in Manhattan. I can hardly believe a whole school year has gone by since we started and it has been the most beautiful experience for us. London has grown so much and her patient, loving teachers have been a huge blessing for all of us. It makes me sad to think that she won't be able to play with all of her sweet little friends here next year since we are moving. The children play so well together and have bonded very tightly. It's been amazing to watch each of them come to terms with mom or dad leaving them in class and learning to trust that their teachers will take good care of them. They have all grown immensely.

New Amsterdam Early Childhood Center is a Waldorf school, and for those who may not be familiar with that style of education, let me just say that it is the most beautiful education anyone could ask for. You can learn much more here. Preschool age children are given a home-like environment where free play is encouraged, as is gathering for group activities such as meals, clean up, rest time and circle time. I've never seen a group of children as happy as the ones London was able to play with each day. They loved the routine, the lovely classroom, the snacks, and the way they were loved in return while they were there. I can't say enough good things about it. I've posted a video below made by one of the school's parents which beautifully illustrates what the center is all about. Thank you New Amsterdam, for being our little oasis of peace in such a big big city. (Don't ask me why London is covering her mouth in this picture. She was being so bizarre about having her picture taken with her teachers!)

LEARN: Forteresse Castle Desk by at-once

This desk is cleverly designed to allow for play when not being used for study. The stool acts as the castle door and can instantly turn the whole thing into a mini playhouse. I think this would also serve well as a puppet theater, don't you? It's so nice when children's furniture can be multifunctional.

via Le Blog des P'tis Loulous

PLAY + LEARN: Centro Infantil del Mercado

It's a pretty amazing feat for an architect to maintain the integrity of an old building design while still creating something totally new and modern. Architects Miquel Mariné and César Rueda Boné paired up to do just that, which resulted in this wonderfully open and multi-functional space for children in Alcañiz, Spain. Originally an old market building, the new center will be used as a place for children to have open play, workshops, and birthday parties. I'm loving the beautiful arches and high ceilings combined with the wood elements and the playful lime green everywhere!

via archkids