Children thrive in environments encouraging them to engage with the world around them. The provider often overlooks a childcare outdoor play space. An outdoor play space can be important for many reasons.
Besides improving the children’s physical health, it can also benefit their mental health. Children tend to spend more and more time indoors. One way to encourage them to spend more time outdoors is to create an outdoor play space that offers a variety of activities. These activities should stimulate a child’s imagination, foster physical development, and promote social interaction.
The space and resources you have for your childcare outdoor play space can make all the difference to the quality of how children play and the length of time they are engaged in the outdoor space. Let’s explore how you can create a childcare outdoor play space with these distinct areas that cater to different aspects of a child’s growth.
Safety Consideration For Childcare Outdoor Play Space
Before delving into the specifics of each area, it is important to prioritize safety when designing a childcare outdoor play space. Ensure all play equipment is age-appropriate, properly maintained, and regularly inspected for potential hazards.
Install soft landing surfaces, such as rubber mats or wood chips, beneath the play structure to minimize the risk of injury from falls. Additionally, provide clear boundaries and secure fencing to keep children within the designated play area.
Childcare Outdoor Play Space Area #1 – Active Play Zone
Video Credit: CECE Early Childhood Videos at Eastern CT State U.
Children have an abundance of energy and a natural inclination to engage in physical activities. Active play is often first on the list for childcare outdoor play spaces. A strategic design can create an engaging space for children to play for a longer time.
Create an active play zone encouraging them to run, climb, jump, and balance. Incorporate equipment such as swings, slides, climbing frames, and tunnels to promote gross motor skill development. Equipment can also consist of loose parts, such as hoops, skipping ropes, and scooters.
Ensure enough open space for group games and organized activities that enhance coordination, agility, and overall physical fitness. Consider things that can be re-purposed, such as tires or decking plank balance beams.
Children get to develop motor skills through active play and learn how to fall and get back up again. They will learn to assess and navigate, taking risks through the process.
Childcare Outdoor Play Space Area #2 – Natural Exploration
Image Credit: Children’s House Montessori School of Reston
The nature exploration area is a dedicated space within the childcare outdoor play space that allows children to engage with the natural environment, fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the world around them.
Provide raised planting beds where children can learn about gardening and participate in planting and tending to flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Teach them about the growth cycle of plants and the importance of nurturing the environment. Also, teach them how to safely look and handle the insect who live there.
Create a designated path or trail that allows children to explore the natural surroundings. Use wood chips, gravel, or stepping stones to define the path and make it accessible for little feet. Place signs along the path to point out interesting plants or features.
Childcare Outdoor Play Space Area #3 – Sensory Area
Video Credit: Our Sweetie Birds’ Home
The sensory garden is a delightful space within the childcare outdoor play area designed to engage children’s senses and provide a rich sensory experience. It stimulates their sight, smell, touch, taste, and even hearing, allowing them to explore and discover the wonders of nature.
Adding a sensory garden with tools for sand, water, or mud play will help support brain development when children are engaged with sensory experiences that activate their smell, sight, touch, taste, and hearing.
Having a permanent sand pit or mud pit can be great. Providing various sensory play materials such as sand, water, natural loose parts (pinecones, shells), or play dough offers children opportunities to engage their senses through hands-on exploration and creativity.
Childcare Outdoor Play Space Area #4 – Creative Area
Image Credit: Pinterest
The creative corner can inspire children to explore their imagination, express their creativity, and engage in various artistic activities. It provides opportunities for self-expression, problem-solving, and fine motor skill development.
Creativity doesn’t just refer to drawing or painting. Consider adding music, problem-solving opportunities, building challenges, and art experiences to your outdoor space. Incorporate an outdoor chalkboard where children can freely doodle, write, and explore their creativity with chalk. This provides a versatile canvas for artistic expression and encourages collaboration as children can create together.
Consider installing outdoor musical instruments such as drums, xylophones, or chimes near the creative corner where children can explore their musical talents and incorporate sound into their creative play.
Childcare Outdoor Play Space Area #5 – Imaginative Area
The imaginative area can encourage children to engage in imaginative play, fostering creativity, social skills, and cognitive development. It provides a backdrop for children to create their own stories, explore different roles, and immerse themselves in imaginary worlds.
Create a designated space for dramatic play and performance. Install a small stage, puppet theater, or open area where children can showcase their creative ideas, engage in puppet shows, or put on imaginative plays.
Design cozy nooks or reading corners within the imaginative area, complete with cushions, rugs, and shelves stocked with age-appropriate storybooks. Encourage children to explore stories, develop narratives, and share their own imaginative tales.
Childcare Outdoor Play Space Area #6 – Quiet Retreat
The quiet retreat offers a peaceful environment for children to relax, recharge, and engage in quiet activities. It provides a soothing atmosphere where children can find solace and develop self-regulation skills.
Provide comfortable seating options, such as cushions, bean bags, or hammocks where children can sit or lie down. These seating arrangements promote relaxation and encourage children to unwind. Design the quiet retreat in a secluded area away from the more active play zone. Create physical boundaries using plants, screens, or fencing to delineate the space and provide privacy, but remember to provide minimum supervision on the young ones.
Incorporate nature sounds like birds chirping, wind rustling through leaves, or soft water features. It helps to create a calming ambiance and helps children relax their minds.
Speak with The Experts
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