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

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.