09-Designing Outdoor Play Spaces

In this module, participants will examine the varying considerations that influence the designs of outdoor play space. The way in which the outdoor space is presented influences children’s depth of play, ways in which they engage in play, the level of socialization that occurs among peers and adults and how accessible it is for children and families. Planning outdoor play space is more than placing materials in the environment. Pathways, plants, placement of loose parts and stationary material, exploration options, culture and diversity, and children’s individual and group interests are all considered when planning effective outdoor space. When early learning teachers develop core principles of designing outdoor play spaces, children’s experiences will be enhanced and the potential for learning about space, environments, social engagement and connections, exploration and experiences will be deepened. Poorly designed space results in chaos for both adults and children, resulting in behavioural issues, less motivated children, and reductions in risk taking, problem solving and active engagement.

In this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the types of considerations that early learning teachers examine when planning outdoor play spaces.
  2. Examine how and why inclusive practices, including universal design principles, are used when designing outdoor play space.
  3. Discuss varying perspectives on design features that guide the planning and assessment of outdoor play spaces in early learning programs.
  4. Examine how the groupings of outdoor play spaces influence children’s level and depth of play, behaviours and socialization processes.
  5. Outline the significance of incorporating gardens in children’s outdoor play spaces.
  6. Examine the roles, attitudes, and influences that early learning teachers have on designing outdoor play.
Not Enrolled
This course is currently closed

Module Includes

  • 8 Lessons
  • 18 Topics
  • 2 Quizzes

Responses

  1. “The outdoor play environment has a significant impact on the type of play and behavior of children. For example, if there are trampolines or trees that children can climb, it enhances their courage. On the other hand, if loose parts are available in the play environment, it steers their play towards enhancing creativity.”

  2. Nancy Penney
    Outdoor play spaces a fun to design and great to see how children interact and play in outdoor play spaces. The children can design and create their own adventure. Great information

  3. Very informative this chapter, an educator need all those tools to know how to do best his job.I learned a lot , detail are very important to know.