It has been brought to my attention that our east playground at Central could use updating and remodeling.
There are, of course, a couple different ways to go about doing this.
The first is to generate ideas as to what those updates, remodels, revamps, etc. should/could look like.
My question to you is: what do the children think they should be able to do on the playground? What could the playground look like? In other words, let's approach this from an inquiry perspective rather than "How much stuff could we buy with $5,000" standpoint.
Before moving forward on anything playground-related, I think it's important that we ask the children what they think about the playground.
So in the comments that you can post to this blog, would you suggest ways that teachers can engage their classrooms in conversations about the playground? If you would do that before January 17, it would give everyone ideas on talking with the children about the playground.
There is a $5,000 Lowe's grant that I'd like to apply for to be used toward revamping the playground. But I want to use the children's ideas and suggestions in writing the grant, which is due Feb. 15. Also, we can request money from capital for the playground.
Looking forward to hearing from you on this!
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5 comments:
We will get our kids talking about what makes a good playground and we will look at catalogs and websites. We will have the kids talk about what they like about our playground and what they would like to change. Older kids would probably love to draw their "fantasy" or "dream" playground.
Love your ideas--maybe the Yellow Room children could tell you what they would like their playground to look like and you can draw it for them? Or they could build a model? Or you could ask parents to talk with their children about changes and the families could document those and bring them in and talk about them? Just some other 'provocations' :)
Great ideas - either in the classroom or via project at home - ask children what being outdoors means to them. How do you feel when you're outside? What do you enjoy most about being outside? Biking, walking the dog, watching the cars go by, playing catch, gardening - what do you most like to do outdoors?
Offer photos of various outdoor spaces - fountains and statues, ballparks, playround equipment, fields, mazes, rock gardens, flower and vegetable gardens, bird/animal feeders, and maybe some not-so-great spaces too. What are their reactions to the spaces in the photos. How does a clean, colorful environment make you feel? What about a space which has litter on the ground?
Pals Plus Room #201
I agree, that the children should be part of the process. They always have wonderful ideas to offer. I agree with the other classrooms. I hope that the new playground is safe, accessible for all children and adults, and some adaptive swings would be great! When we come up with more ideas, we'll be happy to share them!
Our Two's Company parent and child classes would love more challenging, but SAFE climbing equipment and slides (we can't use the "preschool" playground because there are so many unprotected openings). We would also love bucket swings and toddler swings - in the rec area we do blanket swings and the kids need it and love it! Riding toys that encourage socialization where kids are facing each other to make the toy move would also be great! Thanks for writing the grant!!
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