Outdoor Environments

Now that we have set up the indoor environment with the basics to get started, it is time to think about the outdoor environment.  We know that both environments will evolve as the children interact, and as ideas and interests emerge.  Currently the environment looks quite empty without the children's artwork gracing the walls and their creations taking up space on the shelves, but we know this is an environment-in-the-making and will blossom over time.  The classroom is lacking the narrations of children's learning and discoveries, which will be the important task of the teachers via pedagogical documentations.  We look forward to adding colour, texture and interest items to the classroom as the children's needs emerge over the coming school year and beyond.

Our outdoor space looks empty, with all the ride-on-toys and other items stored away until our school opens in September.  We have grand plans for this space, such as sand, water, art explorations, nature items and many more bits- and-pieces for creative engaging exploration. 

We are inspired to bring many learning opportunities outside, in addition to those experiences we will provide inside.  We are inspired by other schools who have amazing outdoor spaces and have high expectations for what we can provide in our outdoor learning environment.  Outdoor time is vital for our health and well being, and we want to provide the children with opportunities to explore, engage, discover, imagine and experiment...and of course to run, jump, hop, build, climb....building muscles and strong bodies.


Insha'allah, we will turn this:

Into something amazing

Image from http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2010/12/what-rusty-keeler-said-it-starts-with.html

http://www.kensingtonpre.sa.edu.au/gallery.htm

Creating Playscapes for Children
From 'Let The Children Play'

Natural Environments Photographs
From 'Department of Education and Early Childhood Development'

A Water Wall
From 'Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning'

A page full of wonderful links to Natural Play Spaces and more..
From 'Let The Children Play'





If you had a 'blank slate', what would you want to include in an outdoor learning environment?