I had some training earlier in the year with PlayBoard on outdoor play sessions with children and found it really interesting so have done more research since.
To learn about their own physical and emotional capabilities, children must push their limits. How high can I swing? How high can I climb? To learn about the physical world, the child must experiment with the physical world. Can I slide on the sand? Can I roll on grass? What happens when I throw a piece of wood into the pond? An essential task of development is appreciating how we fit into the natural order of things—animals, plants, the weather etc. What does nature provide – water, shade, sun? What should I be careful around, e.g. thorny plants? Children can only discover this relationship with the natural world by experiencing it themselves as they grow up and develop.
I think I took this all for granted because I was always outdoors as a child.Now, many children, especially in urban environments, are cooped up inside the majority of the time which is leading to concerns around childhood obesity. So getting outside to play is more important than ever, and of course its SO. MUCH. FUN.
So, I held my first ‘Out to Play’ session in August at Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus, with help from PlayBoard. The event focused on free, unstructured play – no rules.
There were materials to build dens, paint, draw, play with sand and water and dress up. There was also some more traditional stuff like hula hoops, skipping ropes, balls, beanbags etc. Trees were climbed, mess was made and some amazing dens and swings were built. Some children simply enjoyed the permission to run a little wild for an hour. It was fantastic to see the children – and adults! – enjoying themselves. Got really positive feedback so hoping to hold some more events throughout the year.
Water & Sand
Den & swing