Play to Learn: HearthSong Natural Toys

As far as educational / teaching styles go, I appreciate that Waldorf Education doesn’t use gimmicky props for teachers. You don’t need a computer, television, or expensive workbooks and software to teach your child. I am not saying I won’t have those ever; I am saying, we are our child’s first teacher. One thing I took away from my research into Waldorf practices was the emphasis on natural imitation as the best way for children to learn.

Simply put: your child will “do as you do.” So structure your daily life to include activities they can imitate and learn from (this part I am still learning how to do effectively!).

HearthSong is a wonderful company that supports this philosophy simply in how they run their business. They “believe childhood is a vital chapter in life…children need to experience as much creative, imaginative play as possible, because kids experience so many of life’s first lessons through play.” The very name HearthSong speaks about the community of learning I believe should be taking place in the home: “Hearth – a traditional symbol for the center of the home, and Song – a symbol of family spirit and of a special playfulness that parents and children enjoy together.”

HearthSong is committed to providing Toys You’ll Feel Good About Giving! Unique and quality children’s toys, games and crafts, carefully selected for child development.

For this event, HearthSong sent me the Art Easel for The Learning Tower (aren’t you so glad you learned all about what The Learning Tower is yesterday?). Now, you do NOT have to own The Learning Tower to use this easel, because it can attach to a wall, but it certainly is a fantastic attachment for The Learning Tower! And it comes in six colors, so you can match to your decor!

The Art Easel attached easily to the Tower and can be flipped around to be either a chalkboard (old school – my favorite) or a white board (An 18 month old with markers? That feature will get used MUCH later on! LOL). There’s a tray for art cups and to hold the chalk.

Although my son has a hard time putting enough pressure on a crayon to make good scribbles, he uses the chalk quite easily. Maybe it’s that he’s pushing away, not down onto a table? Either way, this Art Easel has been very effective at getting him to start some “pre-writing” skills. (Look at my little leftie!). He will ask me to trace his hand, or spell his name on the board. Then he’ll scribble and tell me he just did the same thing I did! It’s super cute!

And, it keeps him in the kitchen with me while I’m cooking, but away from the stove. Gotta love that aspect! There’s so many opportunities for real-life learning; I can model for him by writing my grocery list on the fridge, and encouraging him to write on the chalkboard after he sees me write.

As far as artistic ability goes, I am lacking. Even my stick figures are sad, pathetic little creations. I do like a good coloring book – I am a “stay-in-the-lines” kind of person! So if my child has even a smidge of artistic ability, I want to encourage it! I am still teaching my son to draw ON the chalkboard and NOT on the Tower, table, wall, floor. But he’s getting there. Good thing chalk washes off easily!

BUY IT: HearthSong sells the Art Easel for The Learning Tower for $68.98. You’ll find a wealth of creative, imaginative, indoor and outdoor toys as well!

WIN IT: One lucky reader will win a $50 HearthSong Gift Card!

DISCLOSURE: I was sent a product sample to facilitate this review. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.