2. Family day care environments Sharing ideas from other educators

3. Defining areas The way in which the environment is designed, equipped and organised determines the way that space and resources are used by children QA3

4. Using feather boas and sheer curtains accentuates areas, allows supervision while providing a sense of privacy for children

5. Artists outside can view a new perspective and drips on the floor are ok A media area encourages creativity in visual arts and writing skills. Images displayed can follow or provoke interests and help include multicultural and family aspects into your environment.

6. Finding enjoyment in every day smells and textures -coffee beans -rice -lentils/ dried peas -leaves and pine needles -flower petals -cornflour goo -fabric pieces -rocks from the creek -shells -seeds and pods

7. Re-inventing with construction materials we learn mathematical skills

8. Arranging toys so children can access them -on book shelves -a piece of board on two containers -in baskets (that can be from second hand stores) -on a placemat Remember quality over quality

9. Setting out items so that they are visually appealing -scenes -patterns -similarities Do these learning areas appeal to you? What could children do with them?

10. A play space in a small place

11. Could you source tyres, rocks or tree stumps? Outcome 4: Children resource their own learning through natural and processed material.

12. Easy to make at home Astro turf makes a doll house fell more homey. A room divide made of branches A cubby house can be made from an inexpensive lace curtain and a pillow

13. ‘we believe children learn when they are cared for in small personal environments’ belonging

14. Programming and projects

15. We would love to include more of your wonderful ideas to share and inspire other educators. Please email photos and any comments to afdc@optusnet.com.au