A peek inside a reader’s play space…
We have a lovely big backyard with a swing set and lots of outdoor toys, but this photo is of the most treasured space of all.
When I was growing up there was a little treed area which made for the perfect hidey hole. My sisters and I called it Terabithia and it was a place we would retreat to for some quiet time, and where hours of imaginative play took place.
My kids grew up knowing my Terabithia, and when we moved to this house a couple of years ago the big two (now 6 and 7) immediately claimed the area pictured as their own Terabithia. We put down the mulch and put the trampoline in there at their request.
The compost bin shown is empty and clean, and serves as all kinds of inspiration for them. It is a cubby house, a rocket, a boat… you name it.
The sawn off tree stumps are seats and stools and steps. They spend hours out there in imaginative play together and we love that we can see them from the deck but not be in their faces. It is very much a grown-up free zone.
It may not look like much, but Terabithia is the first place my big boy goes when he needs to decompress a little.
They have picnics out on the trampoline, and play endless games of ‘Mums and Dads’ with the space serving as a home, a school, and any other place they can think of.
I love that they have a space to truly call their own, where they can safely explore and climb and just have fun.
Shared by Kate of Kate Says Stuff
July is ‘House or Home’ month at Childhood 101. Do you have a family or kids play space in your home that you love (indoors or outdoors)? Submit your play space here and you too could be featured on Childhood 101.
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
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