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Goals:
Outdoor play offers many important learning opportunities for children. Outside kids can
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 state 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! |
Download the files below to help you plan and implement a successful Outdoor Center!
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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.
WEATHER RULES- Decide what your weather rules will be and stick to them... In many programs outdoor play happens unless there is rain or extreme temperatures. When the air temperature or windchill falls below zero children should probably be kept indoors for safety reasons. Determine your policy for heat index as well. Communicate the weather expectations to parents and other staff in your programs.
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.
WEATHER RULES- Decide what your weather rules will be and stick to them... In many programs outdoor play happens unless there is rain or extreme temperatures. When the air temperature or windchill falls below zero children should probably be kept indoors for safety reasons. Determine your policy for heat index as well. Communicate the weather expectations to parents and other staff in your programs.