Outdoor Play Setting Design Essay

Introduction

This project describes a creative outdoor play set for children aged 4-5 years.

The outdoor play setting should perform several important functions. It should be safe for children, it should stimulate creativity and active time spent and it should be made of natural materials. All these functions can be combined with an ergonomic, safe, and well-organized environment which should be divided into several functional zones. These zones may include a playground for active games, a balancing playground, a labyrinth, relax zone, a playing zone with swings, slides, fine motor skills development zone. The basic philosophy, which stands behind this outdoor playset is in combining form and function. Objects used for design can create multiple variations and change their functions. Simplicity is another important philosophical concept used for this project. A natural setting and plenty of space provide necessary conditions for the children’s growth and development. In his research Perry underlines the importance of large spaces and a well-organized environment, “The large spaces provide opportunities for children to use their whole body to explore, plan and to implement these plans without limitations on noise and activity (Perry, 2003). In addition, in the study which analyzed more than 40 playground settings specialists came to the conclusion that low-quality outdoor environments result in less functional and repetitive play patterns. (DeBord, Hestenes, Moore, Cosco, & McGinnis, 2005).

Design

  Playground for active games will consist of wooden blocks, which can be combined into different constructions, such as castles, homes, roads, bridges, pieces of furniture, etc.

It should also contain balancing blocks, which can consist of wooden elements, ropes, ladders, and other elements which can enable children to train their balance and physical reaction. The place under this construction should have soft mats in order to prevent children from injuries if they fall own.

Other sections may contain a labyrinth. It should be made of bushes or small trees planted close to each other. The labyrinth may have different signs. In addition to usual signs, which show directions, it may also have numbers and letters, which can be used for learning. Children may play hide and sick and run in this area. Such a decision can give a lot of opportunities for physical activity in a comparatively small space.

Relax zone can be designed in order to let children rest from physical activity. It can be established in the natural surrounding under trees. There should be mats and soft chairs for children to be able to sit, stand and lay down. Another section may contain entertaining elements, such as different swings, slides, and seesaws. All elements mentioned about should be made of wood with metal elements to enhance their safety. They should be of simple geometric forms, which copy natural objects. Another zone should contain natural materials, such as sand, water, and small rocks for children to be able to play with them. The development of fine motor skills is useful for general mental and physical development and children will be happy to play with sand, water, or small rocks.  These materials may be combined or used separately.

The design of the outdoor playground should satisfy the basic goals and functions of the surrounding. In our case, the surrounding is designed to develop creativity, and give conditions for physical development and good rest. Simple shapes, natural colors, and natural materials are used as an instrument to stimulate creative thinking, and the desire to explore and experiment. The playground equipment should meet the safety requirements described in the AS 4685, Playground equipment series. It should be inspected and maintained according to recommendations described in AS 4685 Parts 1-6, 2004,  and should be accorded with the contemporary risk management standards  AS/NZS 4486 and AS/NZS 4422. (Guide to Standards -Children’s Products, 2013). It should also contain information about potential hazards and dangers.

Evaluation

Different zones can be separated from each other using natural landscapes and special signs. Relax zone can be constructed under the trees to create a natural shadow. Natural materials and natural colors will be used to create a natural surrounding for the game and rest.

There are several basic rules, which should be used in the process of design and construction. The outdoor environment designed for children should stimulate creativity and the desire to learn and explore.

 The design described provides a lot of learning opportunities. Children should not get only ready decisions. They should be able to construct and transform their surroundings according to their needs and desires. Wooden blocks of different sizes and shapes can be used to create any settings they need. Such an approach does not limit children’s creative thinking. They can create any settings they want for their game. They will develop their creative thinking while organizing their game setting themselves. In addition, they will learn how to cooperate and work together in order to build the setting they need. Role-playing and playing in groups are very important for children of 4-5 years and the surrounding described create a lot of opportunities for such games. Such a design decision assumes that children will be able to create a lot of different settings from the limited number of materials. Children will never get bored in such a setting because they are able to change it in accordance with their needs. With the help of the blocks, they can build vehicles, buildings, vessels, roads, bridges, castles, labyrinths, pyramids, and many other elements. In addition, a teacher or a tutor can use this setting to demonstrate the simple laws of physics, construction, and other disciplines. In addition, for smaller children, these elements can be used to give them ideas about geometric shapes and forms. The area with different balancing elements can be used not only as an entertainment zone but also as a means to stimulate physical development. Balancing is an important element of physical activity for children. It stimulates normal physical development and helps to develop good physical skills.  According to Cognitive Child Development theory, originally introduced by Jean Piaget, children should take active positing in acquiring the world (Berk, 2009). They should be active explorers and investigations, and the outdoor area described satisfies basic demands for cognitive development.

Contemporary children tend to engage in physically active games less. Balancing exercises affect a lot of muscles at the same time and children get quick and effective training in an easy and interesting manner. It is important to give all necessary safety instructions in the two zones mentioned above.

The labyrinth can be designed from natural materials and can become an interesting landscape decision.  it should not be tall for all children who play there to be visible.  It can be used for active games and in some cases can be combined with natural movable blocks from the first zone.  The zone with natural materials, such as sand, water, or small rocks may contain additional elements which can make games versatile and diverse. Wheeled toys, constructors, and other elements can be used for this purpose. This zone can be used as a learning ground where children get information about different natural substances and their functions.

Relax zone should be fitted with different materials for quiet games. Books, constructors, and art instruments can be used for this purpose.

The design proposed perfectly fits into Early Years Learning Framework. It has a strong emphasis on play-based learning. It also creates opportunities for effective communication and language development. The choice of materials, design, and additional elements will help to enhance emotional development. It also can be effective for physical training.  Educative elements of the playset can be used to prepare for the transition to school (Early Years Learning Framework).

Risk management is an important part of the design project. The project is designed in order to provide children with safe surroundings for learning and playing. Despite the fact that all zones mentioned above are safe and natural for children, they should get all necessary directions and instructions in order to escape any kind of injuries. It is important to make sure that the environment is safe and free from preventable risks. The surface should be soft. Sand or grass can be used for this purpose.

References

Berk, Laura E. (2009). Child Development. 8th ed. United States of America: Pearson Education, Inc.

 Explaining the National Quality Framework,  (June 20, 2016).  http://acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework/explaining-the-national-quality-framework

De Bord, K., Hestenes, L., Moore, R., Cosco, N., & McGinnis, J. (2005). Preschool Outdoor Environments Measurement Scale (POEMS). Lewisville, NC: Kaplan Early Learning Company.

Dodge, D. T., Heroman, C., Berke, K., Bickart, T., Colker, L., Jones, C., Copley, J., & Dighe, J. (2010). The Creative Curriculum for Preschool (5th ed.). Bethesda, MD: Teaching Strategies, Inc.

Early Years Learning Framework, https://www.mychild.gov.au/agenda/early-years-framework

Guide to Standards -Children’s Products, (August 2013). SAI Global, https://www.google.com.ua/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiaoP2RhKHSAhXKiywKHXRtBMMQFggjMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Finfostore.saiglobal.com%2Fstore%2Fgetresource.aspx%3Fpath%3D%2Fpublishing%2Fshop%2Fproductguides%2Fproductguides%2Fguide_to_standards-childrens_products.pdf&usg=AFQjCNFyDtLNm_5O7UAiCd0jxMsqowQTRw&sig2=-rPOgooFhL1q-sJoYwEH2Q

Kreichauf, S., Wildgruber, A., Krombholz, H., Gibson, E. L., Vögele, C., Nixon, C. A., Douthwaite, W., Moore, H. J., Manios, Y., Summerbell, C. D. (2012). Critical narrative review to identify educational strategies promoting physical activity in preschool. Obesity Reviews, 13, 96-105.

Maxwell, L. E., Mitchell, M. R., & Evans, G. W. (2008). Effects of play equipment and loose parts on preschool children’s outdoor play behavior: An observational study and design intervention. Children Youth and Environments, 18(2), 36-63. Sanders, S. (2002). Active for Life: Developmentally Appropriate Movement Programs for Young Children. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

Perry, J.P. (2003) Making Sense of Outdoor Pretend Play, Young Children, 58(3).

Shillady, A. (n.d.). Spotlight on Young Children and Nature. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.