Wednesday, February 18, 2015

New outdoor play environment plans are underway!

 The Early Childhood teachers at Wichita Collegiate School have been dreaming for years about creating a new outdoor play space worthy of children. Early in 2014 a team of teachers started putting those dreams into a written plan. With the help of a core group of engaged parents, the playground design committee began working with landscape designer Emmanuel Didier.  Mr. Didier blended all of our ideas, hopes, and dreams into a meaningful design concept that will bring beauty and inspiration to our campus. This beautiful, engaging natural play space for 2-6 year-olds holds the heart of the child in highest regard. It will foster a love for nature, engage all of the senses, inspire creativity, and bridge learning from the classroom to the outdoors. The space will feature a variety of large motor activities, such as climbing, swinging, jumping and rolling down hills. The design also includes areas for science, gardening, dramatic play, art and open-ended play. A large covered patio for special events, picnics, outdoor games, basketball, jumping rope, hopscotch completes the design and creates a space with endless possibilities. We are excited to make this dream come true for the children of today and for generations to come.

Re-thinking outdoor play environments


I love that my job requires me to seek what is best for children and my school community wants nothing less. My colleagues and I love spending our days, months and years with children.  Children inspire us to do our best, be our best and seek the best in others. Right now we are in the process of creating the best outdoor play environment for our children. As I seek to understand what is best for children I enjoy reading about research and best practices around the world. I enjoyed the article linked here and I think you might too.  Enjoy!
Natural Playgrounds