Inspiring Outdoor Play

Dear Reader, 
Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog page. As the weather turns warmer we at Little Lambs have been spending a lot more time outside. In Madoc, Stirling, Trenton, Frankford and Belleville our providers have been visiting parks, going on nature walks, visiting community centres, creating memories in their own backyards and so much more. 

Mental wellbeing is not just a topic for adults. Children can suffer from "winter blues" also. Our outside time is limited during our cold/dark Canadian winters. This  wanes on everyone. The days are now longer and being outside more just makes everyone feel better. After a long winter bundling children in snow suits it's nice to send them out the door with some sunscreen and a hat. Moods are higher, naps are easier and tummies are hungrier. 

I thought now would be a perfect time to write a post to inspire creative outdoor play. Images sourced from Pinterest. 

Tips:

1. Static play spaces (such as constructed play structures at the park) are fantastic for gross motor development but they are not adaptable to different children. The slides will always be the same height/slope and in the same spot. The static nature of playgrounds does not allow children to manipulate or invent their play. A simple solution (because parks are a fantastic resource) is to bring a basket of loose parts with you to the park. If your park is rich in natural materials then have children collect loose parts from the park. This simple addition will increase the possibilities for children to engage in new ways. 
2. Bring the inside out. This could be as simple as bringing your art easels outside. Messy art is much more enjoyable for the provider or the parent if they aren't worried about the eventual cleanup. Don't have easels? Get a large roll of paper and roll a 5-10' strip on the grass. Have children use their feet/hands/tools to paint of masterpiece. The uneven nature of the ground will add to the painting experience. 
3. Mud Kitchens! These are a very popular concept right now and for good reason. Children need environments they can manipulate and where they can invent, construct, evaluate and modify their ideas though play. Mud kitchens allow for all of this. Tools such as spoons, pots and pans, dishes etc can be added or excluded. If excluded children can scavenge their own tools from the yard/play space. A simple stick can become a whisk. A handful of leaves become a salad. Not to mention the addition of mud as a manipulative. If you aren't brave enough for mud and need to baby step your way into messy play then adding wet sand to your mud kitchen area is another possibility. 
4. Don't forget the basics: sidewalk chalk, skipping ropes, bubbles, bug catchers, water tables, sprinklers and balls. There are more of course but these are a few essential items to have on hand at least once during the summer season. These aren't normally thought of as "open ended" toys but they do have a place in outdoor play. 
5. Prepare for the weather. This includes parents and providers. The Canadian Cancer society recently published an article stating "skin cancer is 80% avoidable". We can protect ourselves and the children in our care by using sunscreen and wearing a hat. Children should also wear appropriate footwear to play outside. Closed toed shoes/sandals are preferable. Flip flops are never appropriate. Additionally time spent outside during the hottest part of the day should be minimized. Thankfully for most of us this is our children's nap time.  

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Inspiring Outdoor Play Spaces

Loose Parts Inspiration and Art Activities 

Water Play Inspiration

Thank you for stopping by. If you have ideas to share we'd love to read them. Leave us a comment with your favourite outdoor activities. 

references: 

Images: www.pinterest.com 

http://eccdc.org

http://www.hub.careinspectorate.com/media/405223/loose-parts-play-toolkit.pdf