Environments and Materials

We’ve curated a collection of resources from our Teaching Preschools, Opal School and other curious minds for you to explore. Use these images, stories, tools, videos and articles as a spark — we hope you’ll find inspiration. This collection is intended to invite you to think alongside us about what happens when materials are used for tools for thinking within classroom environments.

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Tempera Paint
Environments and Materials

Tempera Paint

Exploring Color
Environments and Materials

Exploring Color

Oil Based Clay
Environments and Materials
Tools and Publications

Oil Based Clay

Preparing an invitation to explore a new material is like setting a table- a table of possibilities.  Taking the time to make the organization of…Read More.
The Wonder of Intelligent Materials
Environments and Materials

The Wonder of Intelligent Materials

FROM THE OPAL ARCHIVE: This video shares images from Opal School classrooms of children working with a variety of different materials.Read More.
Designing a new preschool classroom
Environments and Materials
New to Playful Inquiry?

Designing a new preschool classroom

A STORY FROM THE FIELD By Melinda Hayward, Prescott Teaching Preschool Designing a new preschool classroom (excerpt from the Field Guide Chp. 3) “These are…Read More.
Setting the Table with Watercolors
Environments and Materials

Setting the Table with Watercolors

FROM THE OPAL ARCHIVE: 09/2019 – Written by Matt Karlsen, Director of Opal School’s Center for Learning To learn more or connect with Matt directly,…Read More.
Materials as Tools for Thinking, Understanding and Connection in Your Classroom
Environments and Materials
New to Playful Inquiry?

Materials as Tools for Thinking, Understanding and Connection in Your Classroom

The idea that materials such as blocks, paint, sand, or clay can help children think more deeply, communicate their ideas, deepen their understanding, and wrestle…Read More.