Navigator's outdoor game ideas
preschool play and learning activities.
|
Planning
& mapping children's outside play areas
Examining your
garden, a playground or an outdoor learning environment from a child's
perspective can open many opportunities for its development and in planning
activities that support individuals.
Consider your own unique, natural play
space, what do you have in it, and what do children currently enjoy within
that area? Do you find a flat lawned area encourages open running,
do you have pathways that children enjoy following and departing from,
can overhanging trees be identified that offer children the experience
of dipping, ducking, crouching and crawling, hiding and searching and
if any part of the outdoor grounds support digging and burying.
Coming together is an important aspect of children's personal, social
and emotional development. Have it been noted which areas appear to actively
encourage children's choice in playing in solitude, as a pair or larger
group. Note also where slopes and commercial frames are positioned and ehat
physical activity takes place on and around them eg. climbing, sliding,
swinging, rolling.
Making an outside plan
of your garden using a bird's eye view helps to begin the process
of change and adaptation. Print and offer sheets to your children so that
they can join in the design stage and put their personal interests forward.
|
|
|
|
how to draw a map / plan - google search
|
aspects to include on your
plan
any grassed area
pathways, steps, stairs and slopes
gravelled areas, concrete, tarmac. decking
fencing, hedging and gates
flower, fruit, veg and herb gardens
buildings eg. sheds, garages
Other permanent and temporary fixtures eg.
Pet enclosures and feeding stations
Sand area
Water areas
Table top surfaces
Seated areas
Parasol bases
Easels
Clothes lines
Water butts, pumps
|
Chart out your garden play
spaces
garden plan portrait sheet 
play space map landscape sheet
Think about where children's action happens and how
you can adapt the environment to add, and move interests around.
|
|
|
|
