Activity 3.5 | Hands: Creating a relationship with the Outdoors

Just as your indoor spaces accommodate the needs of all children, so should the outdoors. The equipment must be developmentally appropriate and have enough for several children to use together. Consider safe play, such as separating tricycle pathways from chalk drawing areas. Will you decide to label storage bins for easier clean up and facilitate a print-rich environment?

For further information on design guidelines for child care centres go to this BC government resource that is a comprehensive guide for planning.

Safety

Examine the outdoor area daily to ensure there are no new dangers such as broken glass, animal excrement, insect hazards such as wasp nests, holes or other natural objects that may cause a fall or a poke, surfaces that may become too hot or too cold, and other hazards that may have recently appeared. The manager may be the one to check spaces, delegate others, or perhaps take turns.

Think about a specific outdoor area that you often visit with children. 

• What do you like about it? 
• Why do the children enjoy spending time there? 

Document your thoughts in your journal and consider, how you might create three activities for the enjoyment of this space. The activities may be one outing each over a period of several days. Try to connect or build upon each activity. Take some photos of your favourite areas. Envision the space in different seasons. 

• How might play change with seasons or weather conditions?

Next, draw a map like a treasure hunt that leads from one activity to another:

• What do you need to consider regarding accessibility and safety?

Finally, make a list of your responsibilities as the leader of this expedition:

• What materials do you need? 
• Who do you delegate to certain duties? 
• How can you share the experiences with the parents? With a poster, pedagogical narrations, or what other ideas?