There is an innovative new movement in children’s outdoor play areas: natural playscapes.
We are excited to be providing a natural playscape in our own backyard.
While many playgrounds are filled with plastic or metal climbing apparatus surrounded by wood chips or gravel, a natural playscape makes creative use of the entire area and is filled with art, pathways, herbs, trees, raised flower and vegetable beds, open areas, sand, water, music and more. Even the smallest amount of nature in a playscape makes a big difference in the world of children. Our play yard is designed with gathering areas, an art area, a mud kitchen, music wall, walking path, gardens, playhouse and plenty of room for running and riding toys.
Our natural playscape is a key principle of the Reggio Emilia approach, that the parents and the adults in a school are a child’s first and second teachers. The environment is the third teacher.
When extending our classrooms outside, we connect children with the natural environment.
Our fenced-in yard has a shady area, open sunny space, a playhouse, and a large sandbox. Children have opportunities to run, stroll along the walking path, sit at the gathering areas, create musical sounds at the music wall, and make mud pies!