Outdoors

Goals:

Outdoor play offers many important learning opportunities for children. Outside kids can gain a deeper appreciation for nature. They get exercise, essential for developing their large and small muscles, which effects their motor control. They practice skills like hand-eye coordination, which later influences their writing development. They develop positive social skills as they play with their peers and gain a feeling of self-worth and a healthy self-esteem from mastering the challenges outdoor play and equipment can offer.

Area:

The outdoor play area must be a safe area for kids to play and explore. Often times a fenced in area is essential. Playground equipment should be of the highest quality and be checked daily for hazards such as broken pieces. Check with your local licensing agencies for specific playground requirements. If you are in a home environment be sure you have anchored swing sets, etc. Check with the manufactures of your home equipment for important safety requirements.

It is nice to have grassy areas, as well as, a sand play area. A garden for the kids to grow things in would be an especially nice addition to this area.

Equipment:

Playground Equipment comes in all kinds of varieties. Shop around and make sure you are purchasing quality safe equipment.

Supplies:

Other supplies to have for outdoors include play houses, jump ropes, balls, sand toys, hula hoops, and anything else that encourages safe active play!

Tips:

Keep sand boxes covered if possible to prevent unwanted animals from using them. If you do not have access to a sand box bring your discovery table outside filled with sand.

Easels can be brought outside for some creative painting fun too.

Be sure children understand outdoor play rules! Set up clear consistent rules the children can remember. Tell the kids what they CAN DO, rather than what they can't. For example, say "You can play on the grass." Instead of, "Don't go in the road." Say, "You can slide down the slides and climb up the ladders." Instead of, "Don't climb on the slide." Children will have a better understanding of what they can do and will be more likely to follow the rules.

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