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Using Lifespan Closets to Teach Math 02/04/2011 12:03 am

As a math teacher and a mom, I am always looking for new ways to get my kids (boys: ages 9 & 11) to use their math skills and to see how math relates to “real life”. I was delighted when we installed our first (of many) Lifespan CLoset systems and I saw how many ways there were to teach math to my kids. We started by checking to see if the wall was was straight. It should not have more than 1/8″ bow so we checked it by holding the partition against the wall. Ours was straight but it gave me the chance to talk about being 1/8″ off versus 1/2″ etc. Discuss and use fractions whenever possible!!

They then helped me measure up 81″ from the floor. We converted this to 6′9″ and compared that to their dad’s height (6′4″) and my height and their height etc. Measuring and comparing are great math skills for kids to learn and use. Converting from inches to feet is easy if you look at the tape measure. You can also have them ‘guesstimate’ and see how close they are or ask if it is more or less than a certain number of feet. If they can, have them simply convert it. Have them convert from inches to feet and from feet to inches (if Gramma is 5′5″, how many inches tall is she?). Great skills!

We then used the stud finder to find the studs and measured between them (generally 16″, I think). I had them measure to find the next one and then we used the stud finder to double check. Our Lifespan Closet system was pre-cut which simplified things. I should have had the kids help me measure and design the closet from the beginning. Drawing it out on graph paper and talking about things being drawn to scale would have been another fun math exercise. They want to design and build their own closets next. They could price it too if you have a price sheet. It would be great practice multiplying and adding (36 earthquake clips X .18 etc). I would probably use a calculator with them for parts of it or round and estimate – yet more good math skills!

I mounted the rails after we had marked the Wedgerail. I also hung the first partition. I then had them measure the shelves and tell me where the next partition should go. We had a single rod, a tower and a double rod. They counted the holes to make sure the rods and shelves would be straight. If they made a mistake, we simply re-did it. Lifespan Closets are great for do-overs. We could have added up the shelf lengths and discussed how wide the closet was but we were ready to celebrate being done by putting everything back in the closet with room to spare. We were proud of our installation!

There is a lot of math involved if you look for it. It you would rather NOT think about how much math is involved, that’s fine too. Lifespan Closets work for those who love math, those who hate math and everyone in between. It was fun to have a do-it-yourself project to do with my kids that was fun and simple. It was fun to weave math and learning into the project too.

What do Closets & Lingerie have in common? 02/04/2011 12:01 am

A closet is a closet – or so I thought. Actually, I didn’t give much thought to my closets. Why should I? They stored things “behind closed doors”. No one saw them – hopefully.

I was wrong. Just like I was wrong about lingerie. Bear with me as I tie together nice closets and nice lingerie. Prior to working in a lingerie department, I thought undies and bras were practical items (like closets). No one saw them (like my closets) so why spend money on them. I soon learned that beautiful lingerie made me feel beautiful underneath it all. No one needed to know what my lingerie looked like because I did and I felt beautiful and special. It is the same thing with my closets. Every time I open my closet doors, my Lifespan Closet system looks beautiful, my things look organized and my closet looks great. I love it. It doesn’t matter if no one else sees them because they make my room look great and that makes me happy. I can leave my closet doors open and it’s o.k. Granted, now that I have Lifespan Closets I want to show them off (this is NOT true about my lingerie!).

The Lifespan Closets system is not only in my closets anymore. I have shelves in my dining room, a desk & shelves in my bedroom, a shelving unit in my bathroom and more places in the future. It makes my rooms feel and look great. That’s something worth sharing with friends!

The New Lifespace Studio 02/04/2011 12:03 am

There are lots of fun and exciting things happening at the Lifespan Closet store in Duluth, MN. They now have a Lifespace Studio which is the fusion of a desk and bed into a single space. You simply pull the bed down as the desk lowers and you are ready to sleep! You can leave anything on the desk – even a cup of coffee or your computer. Space saving and great looking.

Lifespan Closets also offers doors and drawers for their system. It just expands the possibilities! It is like Legos – new pieces keep being added expanding the number of things you can create. Start dreaming!