Making Sure It's Safe

This is an outdoor area for the children 3-5 years of age. In the center, where the large structure is located, soft spongy padding is underfoot. Around the structure,there is a track for just for cars and tricycles. At the other end is a sand box, with wooden fence that is 3 feet high. There is a small kitchen area in the sandbox. Outside the sandbox, and the structure, there are areas to sit in houses, or go on a bench. There are hoops for balls, with enough space to run. There is a shed containing activities like: balance beam, jumprope, base ball, books, blocks,drawing. Over the largest part of the playground is a large canopy. In every play area, there are tubs to store, and put away toys.   

This is the two year old playground. The sandbox frame is about one foot high, and children enter through an opening (on the large playground, they walk up stair to get in). There are trees in the sandbox to provide shade, and discovery. There are houses,to relax, and play in; and one "castle" (to climb up) and play in. There are several little benches and chairs to sit down and concentrate on your activity. There are separated areas, for the safest play, bikes, balls, and resting are all separate. There is a place for everything to get put back. There is a water table in the sand area. 

Creating the Physical Outdoor Environment

The set-up should be well-structured. 

Before anything the environment needs to be SAFE. Children need about 80 to 100 square feet per child. Make sure there is no hazardous equipment, and it is free from traffic and debris. Make certain, all children can be see at any given time; teachers should position themselves accordingly. Always have a shaded area, protecting from sun, or rain. There should be access to water at all time. There needs to be a hard surface area, designated just for bikes, and cars; create a road with signs, and lines - helping to keep them safe, and helping to expand their imagination. 

Other than physical safety, children should feel safe to explore their emotions, and physical bodies. To be sure of that, allow for many areas of expression. Allow children to run, climb and jump. Also, allow them to relax and mellow out. Allow children to be able; to be in large groups, have alone time, and small group (1-3) interactions. There should be a soft surface area, such as sand, or grass. There should also be a paved area, for chalk drawing, and biking. Children should be able to sit in the sun and shade. It is most beneficial when there is access to the outdoors, from the classroom it self.  You can bring out typically indoor activities, such as books, blocks, or drawing. Like inside the classroom, the toys should have a place to be taken from, and put back. Allowing the children to choose, and clean up, gives them self-impowerment. The two above graphs, are examples or an outdoor area.