Go Play Outside!

From more creative play to increased self-esteem to the obvious physical benefits, being outside plays a critical role in healthy development for young children. But how can we be sure that children are achieving the maximum benefits from being outside?  What tools and toys, materials and structures will benefit children the most in the outdoor learning environment?  If you are ready to move past the swings and really dig in (pun intended) to creating a high quality learning environment for young children, check out some of these fantastic resources:

Where to Start

For many of us, the first step in moving toward more open-ended and nature-based outdoor experiences for young children is really changing our own mindset.  We must move past the idea of outdoor time as "recess" and begin to value the rich experiences available outside that cannot be provided inside. Only then will it become clear that a focus on outdoor learning environment is as important as the indoor classroom that we work so hard on.

 

"It doesn’t take a magical landscape to crate a beautiful playscape. It just takes a magical imagination and a team of enthusiastic people to make playscape dreams come true." This article, Back to Nature, gives some very practical information about how to get started.

More information on the how-to can be found here: 20 Ways to Create Play Environments for the Soul

 

What to Provide

For many centers and programs, one relatively easy, but major change for the outdoor learning environment is the addition of loose parts.

 "Loose parts are materials with no specific set of directions, and they can be used alone or together with other materials. They can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, taken apart, and out back together in multiple ways.  The child, rather than a manufacturer or other adult, determines how the materials are used."                                   

This article from High Scope, Open Ended Materials Belong Outside, Too, provides an excellent definition of "loose parts", outlines their importance and gives some ideas about what kinds of loose parts to include in an outdoor play space.

Likewise, this article from Community Playthings, The Learning in Loose Parts, highlights some of great benefits of loose parts in preschool play spaces.
 
For a list of NAEYC resources on the whys and hows of outdoor play click here.

Head Start's ECLKC website has some great resources on this webpage.

Where to Get It

Many of the loose parts mentioned in the articles above can be gathered from nature or found at resale shops or garage sales.  But if you've got some money to spend or just want some inspiration about the possibilities, check out these resources for high quality, open-ended outdoor materials:
Earth Play store
Nature Explore 
Community Playthings 
Natural Playgrounds
Kodo
  Don’t forget Pinterest as a source for inspiration and great ideas! Many of us have love-hate relationships with Pinterest- so many great ideas, but who has that kind of time and money!?   While there are many unachievable cool things there, there are many practical ideas, too and we all need a little inspiration now and then. (Hint: Watch for Early Childhood Washtenaw’s Pinterest page – coming soon!)  

 

Happy Playing!