Planning the Physical Environment: Outdoors Chapter 10 Planning the Physical Environment: Outdoors

Chapter 10 Goals Gain knowledge about the importance of outdoor play Get ideas for planning outdoor environments Develop a rationale for stimulating a variety of play types outdoors Address the teacher’s role in outdoor play Review information related to playground health and safety

Importance of Outdoor Play Sensory experiences Greater sense of freedom Opportunities for risk taking Integral part of developmentally appropriate practices

Planning Guidelines Playground should be next to a classroom Sand, water, and plant life are important At least 75 square feet of outdoor space per child Balance of sunny and shady areas Large, grassy areas A tall sturdy fence Covered area provides outdoor play in sun and rain Encouraging group activities and private places

Fixed Equipment Structures on playgrounds Swings, slides, challenging climbers, sand box, storage, dramatic play structure Playhouse Old boat Small car Storage shed

Moveable Equipment Construction materials (large and small) Dramatic play props Digging equipment Wheeled toys Art materials Old tires Child sized cable spools Gardening tools Lumber, bricks, rope, hammers, and animals Wooden and cardboard boxes

Variety of Play Options Active physical/motor play Solitary play Construction play Imaginative play Games with rules

Outdoor Play Areas Transition area Manipulative/Construction area Dramatic play area Physical area Sand/water play area Natural area

Developmental Considerations Infant/Toddler play spaces Children age 3 through 5 Primary children Children with special needs

Selecting Equipment and Material Commercial equipment Donated materials Adult-made materials Five step approach Consider the site Determine how much money you have to spend Develop a construction plan Select materials that are durable and safe Involve the children, parents, and community in the process

Planning for Change Outdoors Outdoor prop boxes Post office, pet shop, fishing, camping, gas station, car wash, hospital, etc… Donated materials Teacher-movable equipment Sand table, lightweight modular climbing equipment, woodworking table, movable wooden or plastic boxes Child-movable equipment Outdoor blocks, larger building sets, tricycles, and wheeled toys

Health and Safety Outside Playground injuries Safety Guidelines Exposed bolts, sharp edges, pinch points Shock absorbing materials: Wood chips, fine sand, fine gravel, rubber matting, etc.. Health Considerations Toxic materials, Poisonous plants, Trash and litter, Standing water (attracting insects), Animal droppings in sand box, Splinters The Adult’s Role Allow plenty of time for outdoor play, Plan with the children, Take time to prepare the outdoors, Let children know acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, Periodically inspect equipment, Spend time interacting with the children

Family and Community Involvement Convince the families and community that the outdoors setting is a rich opportunity for growth Family Partnerships – encouraging outdoor play at home Committing to the outdoor environment

Observing Development – Playground options Observe Go to MyEducationalLab and select the topic “Child Development” then watch the video “Physical Activity”. Reflect How did the children use their large muscles as they played outdoors? Apply Identify ways in which the children were able to manipulate materials and equipment outdoors.

Multimedia Exploration and Activities… Research Go to MyEducationalLab and view the artifact “Hand Stand” a young child’s drawing of a favorite activity. Reflect Why do you think this young boy found this activity so rewarding? Do you remember a rewarding outdoor experience? Respond Identify the key benefits for playground use for young children, write an short article for parents summarizing these benefits.