If you’re curious about playful learning but not sure how to get started, you’re not alone. One of the best ways to ease into this approach is by setting up simple, purposeful learning invitations.
These open-ended, hands-on spaces invite exploration, curiosity, and meaningful learning—without needing a complete classroom overhaul.
In this post, I’ll walk you through three things to think about when setting up a learning invitation in your classroom.
1. Choose the Right Space in Your Classroom
Learning invitations don’t need a dedicated play area. They can be set up in many parts of your room—as long as they feel intentional and support hands-on exploration. What’s most important is that the space is clearly defined so students understand it has a purpose.
You might use:
- A small table
- A tuff tray
- A shelf
- A moveable tray
The size of your space will determine how many children can work there at once.
- Smaller spaces (1–2 children) encourage quiet, focused, and calm interactions.
- Larger spaces (3–5 children) often lead to more collaboration, movement, and conversation.
There’s no one “right” way to set this up—just different ways depending on your goals. You might want to:
- Encourage teamwork and problem solving
- Spark creative thinking
- Build communication skills
The key is to match the size, location, and materials to the learning you want to support.
2. Keep Design Simple and Intentional
When it comes to creating a learning invitation, less is often more. Your goal is to design a space that’s beautiful, functional, and easy for students to access.
A few guiding principles:
- Avoid clutter—too many materials can overwhelm learners
- Choose props and tools with purpose
- Display everything thoughtfully and in a way that’s inviting
An organized, well-designed space communicates that the activity is meaningful. It sends the message that students are capable and their learning matters.
Creating beautiful spaces isn’t about aesthetics alone—it’s about building an environment that invites curiosity and shows respect for children as thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.
3. Connect to Learning Goals
The best learning invitations strike a balance between student interest and intentional curriculum connections.
Ask yourself:
- What interests are my students showing lately?
- What skills or concepts do I want them to explore more deeply?
- How can I combine those two ideas?
You might add a book, a vocabulary card, or a simple question like “Which is heavier?” to prompt deeper thinking during a measurement invitation. You can also include clipboards or cameras to document learning, which can be revisited during reflection time.
The Reggio Emilia approach reminds us that:
“There are three teachers of children: adults, other children, and their physical environment.” – Loris Malaguzzi
That third teacher—the classroom environment—plays a powerful role in how children think, explore, and learn.
If you’re nervous about trying playful learning, learning invitations are a gentle and meaningful place to begin. They offer structure with flexibility, spark engagement, and allow you to meet curriculum goals in a way that feels joyful for both you and your students.
Start small.
Reflect often.
And trust that learning doesn’t need to be loud or complicated to be meaningful.
Happy Learning,
Lynda
Here is a Guide to Get You Started – Click Here for your free copy
