I had a very thought provoking experience reading this module’s materials on sensory spaces and significance of fun and free play. The articles demonstrate excellent examples of ways that people can support learning and education generally while also encouraging people to explore and be curious about their unique and individual interests. I personally have found my most success and impactful learning experiences when incorporating my own passions into my studies. (This course is actually a great example of ways to implement this strategy in a classroom setting!)

Dowdy’s article focuses on the concept of expanding the definition of a playground and encouraging kids (and some adults) to explore different ideas and think out of the box. This idea can be translated well into the setting of libraries, especially when thinking about all the different types of libraries that can exist. People often have a limited idea of what a playground can be or how people can play on structures, but Dowdy highlights the ways that playground designers can create spaces that are versatile and can be used in many ways. Similarly, we can learn from these playgrounds and work to create libraries that can support a wide variety of interests and learning styles.

Sensory spaces are a great example of a way that libraries can support diverse learning styles and interests, especially for kids that aren’t yet at a reading age. These spaces include tools and activities for kids to explore and be curious about learning new things that specifically interest them. While so many educational spaces are structured and have specific curriculums, most people will differ in their specific interests and the ways they learn best. Having a more fluid and open learning environment is a great way to support different types of learning.

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