Activity 3.5 | Hands: Creating a relationship with the Outdoors

Outdoor Play Canada (n.d.) is a valuable resource that helps you find the latest information and research. The following infographic is one of their helpful resources: 

Designing outdoor environments

Designing the outdoor environment should begin with a discussion between the manager and educators. Earlier in the course, we investigated resources for creating accessible environments.

Parent or community input may be valuable once a draft plan is in place. The manager needs to know what structures are preferred, how much funding is available, the purposes for the different spaces. The manager may need to write a grant proposal to access more funding. In the initial planning the centre may start out with simple learning areas if funding is limited. Be sure to plan ahead for more construction and equipment as funding becomes available. Quiet spaces for connecting with nature, interest areas that motivate and inspire, along with larger spaces that develop children’s large muscles and sophisticated play skills are basic requirements. A structure that has multiple identities rather than one use will be more interesting to the children’s curiosities and imagination. According to the Reggio Emilia approach the environment is the third teacher. 

As you gather feedback from staff, parents and children ask yourself How will your outdoor spaces connect with a smooth transition to indoor space. Consider including children’s feedback in your planning:

• How would you ask children about the outdoor space? 
• What do they tell you about their likes? 
• Do their responses change with the seasons? 
• How do your observations about children’s outdoor play influence your design?

Check out this article about Nature-Based Mindfulness for More Calm & Peaceful Kids from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington DC 

References

Outdoor Play Canada. (n.d.). Resources. https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/resources/

Wiedel-Lubinski, M. (2019, February 6). Nature-based mindfulness for more calm & peaceful kids. National Association for the Education of Young Children.https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/nature-based-mindfulness