An effective balance beam doesn’t need to be a tall one. Find a log and stabilize it on the ground. Experts suggest the latter helps kids learn the ability to sit still in class and remain stable in chairs. The mere act of balancing teaches kids the concept of sides (awareness of left and right are important pre-reading skills) and also makes them aware of where their body is in a certain space. Studies have shown that balance beams are important yet fun activities for kids. Kids can drive toy trucks over them or even use washable chalk to color tic-tac-toe or other fabulous artwork all over the sides. Be prepared to replace the sand as necessary, if it isn’t contained well-there’s no hard or fast rule that says it has to be.įun to stand on, (safely) jump off of and take a seated break on, boulders or big rocks provide great additions to playscapes. If you’d like to contain the area, place a border of stumps or big stones around it. Dump some sand in a pile or muddy up some dirt to create an area where kids can get a little messy by digging. Dirt is also fairly inexpensive to buy, if need be. Not only is a hill fun to roll and slide down, it’s something to ride bikes over (provided you have the space) and make the centerpiece of a variety of games from tag to hide-and-go-seek. The opportunities for imaginative play are seemingly endless. If renovating your outdoor living space, think about re-purposing extra dirt into a small hill or multiple little hills… the steeper, the better. Kids love paths, but this kind can double as little tables or whatever their hearts desire. Re-purpose a removed tree by using stumps instead. We break down some of the possible components below.īury boulders securely in the ground so they don’t tip over as kids jump or step from one to the other. And, after your playscape is installed, take it a step further by showing kids how to backyard bird watch or get them interested in gardening. The upshot is that it will blend in much better than a red, yellow and blue slide and at a lower cost than buying actual playground equipment. Think about converting an underutilized side yard or backyard corner into a natural play area. According to Wikipedia, playscapes also help increase attention spans, improve social skills and do a great job of showcasing environmental stewardship.Ī playscape doesn’t need to monopolize your outdoor design. The natural materials and elements in a playscape serve multiple purposes and there typically is no central focus point, which experts believe decreases competition and risk of bullying. Playscapes involve as few man-made parts as possible but, as you’ll see, nature provides plenty of options. With modern technology, safety concerns and development of natural space into housing, many kids these days are confined to city and school playgrounds versus taking the types of risks outside that were considered normal for their parents. The key elements of a playscape can be incorporated into any outdoor living space. But, it’s up to a child’s whim to decide whether they should dig, stack or build a fort with a pile of sticks. Kids know what to do when they see a set of monkey bars. Why? They’re using their imaginations and motor skills more. According to a recent University of Tennessee study, children who play on natural playgrounds-otherwise referred to as playscapes-tend to play longer and stay more engaged than those who play on the brightly-colored equipment that graces most playgrounds these days.
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