In today’s uncertain times, utilizing outdoor spaces, playgrounds and parks (responsibly) is more important than ever! Children need fresh air, exercise and educational opportunities to thrive. While many think of playgrounds as exceptional places for children to get their energy out and to incorporate school subjects like Physical Education, they can be so much more!
We recently sat down with local elementary school teacher, Roxy Humphrey, to discuss everything play. She gave us some amazing ideas regarding all aspects of playgrounds; including how to use them for all subject matters whether you are a teacher with a classroom or a parent using a city playground. Depending on the ages of your children, try the below:
Counting – Have children count steps, playground components, time/amount to do certain activities (swinging back and forth or how quick can you climb?)….
Colors – Ask children which colors they see, where they see them, which they like best…
Math – Have children find shapes, measure heights or angles (geometry)…
History/Science/Geography – ‘Go-To’ – Ask children to traverse areas of the playground and end up somewhere else; physical location, time, etc… Ask them what dinosaurs they see? If they land in a certain year, what’s different? Slide down the slide and name a state, capital or country. Make the playground into a ‘map’ of an area you’re learning about and designate parts of it as cities, mountains, water, etc…
Get Creative! – Use panels on the playground that demonstrate games, animals or history of the space you’re at to incorporate reading, other skill sets, socialization (responsibly), etc.. Some playgrounds have the ‘telephone’ component that can be used to discuss sound and how telephones work.
Science – Use shadows to discuss the movements of the sun (orbit) or to incorporate time (sun dial)…
Physical Education: Beyond the regular ‘free play,’ to encourage fitness, imagination and socialization, try time trials for certain components of the playground (think monkey bars or climbing walls), set up obstacle courses throughout the structure, etc…
Social: Even while keeping a healthy distance, kids can use the whole playground to set up games such as pretending the ground is lava, chase, tag or hide and seek. Of course, playgrounds also help kids to learn important social skills like sharing and healthy communication with their peers.
Don’t forget about other pieces not necessarily as commonly thought of, such as our Percussion Play 
line that uses musical instruments as play pieces. These durable and weather-compatible pieces are great for children’s imagination, brain development, social skills and they allow parents and those with special needs pieces to use on the playground. These unique instruments can also be installed in many settings; town plazas, libraries, senior citizen communities, trail sides and traditional playgrounds & parks bringing musical education to everyone!
Stay safe and keep on having fun!
