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Tess Michaels Tessa Rose Playspace and Landscape

Design

0416565297

www.tessaroselandscapes.com.au

Natural Playspaces and Childrens Play

and Development

An Exploration of 3 Case StudiesChild Care NSW Forum

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1. A newly designed long day care centre on the north coast of NSW with

natural elements included

2. A long day care centre which undertook a partial change to their

playspace adding natural components in Sydney, NSW

3. A long day care centre which went from an artificial environment to a

natural one in Sydney, NSW

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Outcomes Play and Development

Staff involvement full involvement in the process versus nil

Design in isolation - newly built services

Focus positive and negative

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Outcomes General

Children free to invent their own games freedom to play

Investigation and discovery without adult intervention (as opposed to

interaction)

Minimal behaviour issues or reduced playspace incidences whereas

previously they occurred daily

Children become mindful of varied surfacing increased challenge and

confidence in mastering their environment

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Outcomes Social Competence

Natural spaces created hiding spots which

allowed for more small group and varied

social dynamics

Sandpits with internal building platforms

provided opportunities forbuilding/construction to remain in the sandpit

and for children to work individually and

cooperatively

Deck platforms become gathering spaces

Increased opportunity for language and

involvement in group play with conversationsabout the environment and how we respect

and take care of it

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Outcomes Behaviour

Natural, calming space ease of

separation between child and parent

Less aggressive behaviours

Less aimless and bored play

Reduction of the need to intervene in

childrens play and directing them into

programmed outdoor experiencesbecause of the lack of a natural

environment where children are free to

explore

Children being aware of and careful

of their new outdoor space level of

ownership creating discussion about

caring for property and each other

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Outcomes Extended Project Based Play

Construction of the new outdoor environment became its own project

Discussion and research of plants during planting

Hands on experience with edible garden area

Space allows for the extension of varied topics through the inclusion of loose

parts

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Outcomes Creativity

More scope, opportunity and choice to extend childrens imaginary play

Children were involved in the creation of the new space

Decking and amphitheatre provided more dramatic play and

dance/movement opportunities

Tepees became a fairy garden, sandpit and creek bed a river system

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Outcomes Bonding and Appreciating Nature

Increased learning opportunities to discuss topics such as conservation,

seedlings, water flow, evaporation, the environment, climate change, etcEdible garden and worm farm have become social and language areas

Appreciation of beauty in vegetation and nature both children and adults

Children bonded with the new plants as there were no plants before in their

space

Children have willingly become part of the environment putting away

provisions, watering, sweeping, monitoring, etc

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Staff

Reduced stress due to the peaceful and

aesthetic space

Role of and managing plants

Supervision and interactions

Less need to set up equipment

Outdoor space, even in the midst of messy

types of play , with natural elements, retainedthe ability to look cared for

Staff interested in looking for equipment and

resources to extend childrens play in different

ways in their new outdoor space

Outdoor program adjustment

Risk assessment

Director with staff resistant to change

continued to reflect the positive potential for

meaningful learning experiences in the new

environment which eased concerns

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Other Considerations

Design is ultimately up to the adultsand what they perceive is best can

differ drastically with what children want

in their outdoor play environment

Surfacing bark chips can be a good

alternativeRocks there has never been a serious

accident involving a rock/boulder

there has however been many (95%) of

accidents on play equipment and softfall

Artificial grass versus real grass

Water play is important for childrenImportant to include staff, children and

families in the whole process, eg: family

and staff workshops, children designing

their garden, brainstorming

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Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth findresources of strength that will endure as long as life lastsRachel Carson