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White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

Defining Space Outdoors

Early childhood staff is great at creating indoor spaces that are well defined with clearly marked boundaries. Boundaries in interior spaces include furniture, shelving, carpet and equipment. Boundaries increase a child's sense of security, confidence and interest. Extended play takes place in environments that have well marked boundaries.

Many early childhood practitioners cannot apply the same principles of defining space to the outdoor environment. Most outdoor environments in early childhood facilities have no marked boundaries at all. The space usually consists of a flat piece of land with no plant material, shade or sense of enclosure. Clearly defined activity areas should be established outside where children can do a variety of activities such as painting, block building, science, gardening, dramatic play, manipulatives, reading and gross motor play.

Boundaries outdoors can be established in a variety of ways. Bushes and trees can provide a sense of enclosure, so can overhanging tarps and blankets. Sit-upons and plastic outdoor mats can help define space for sitting activities. Berms and small hills can also be used to create boundaries as long as they do not interfere with the accessible routing requirements. Plastic cones and movable crates can assist in defining space for young children.

Contact Vicki Stoecklin (www.whitehutchinson.com/ aboutus/ vicki.shtml) to learn how we can assist you with the design of your outdoor playground and children's learning environment - +1.816.931-1040, e-mail (www.whitehutchinson.com/ contact/ vicki_stoecklin/ ) .

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