Kober House, First Floor

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5. Homemade play dough At the beginning of the school year, Hawkins and her assistants set the table for play before children arrive. She varies the supplies from day to day, and the children start to learn that if they want to use something that’s not set out, they can ask. When the second semester starts, they come in and nothing is set up. “It’s a way of saying, ‘This is your space, your time. What do you want to do with it?,’” Hawkins says.

6. Storage Most objects are stored in the open and at children’s eye level. The accessible placement reinforces the idea that this space is for children. With the freedom to play as they please and the confidence to ask for what they want, children’s activities—from drawing to playing house—become creative, meaningful acts.