Guest Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 Does anyone have a good plan that I could look at for their outdoor area? I have been given a blank canvas if you like, as the previous reception teacher was given a new tarmaced area last Sept and did absolutely nothing with it. In fact she kept the door to the area closed!! It is not huge-but big enough for 10 children which is all I will have. There is a covered porch thing as soon as you walk out then a ramp down to a square of playground with railings around it. As I said it is new and unused-so nothing to go with. There is a gate one side on to main playground and a gate the other side on to a secure grass area. Any plans or ideas I could share will be very welcome. Thanks in advance Moisy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 not sure how useful it will be but have attached my plan - lots of cheap and cheerful resources added to our area over time but we were praised by our LA for our use of the outdoor area. N_outdoor_classroom_06.doc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 Many thanks nsunshine. I think my area is probably half the size of yours but I can get some ideas from this. I just need to know what are essentials outside really. Moisy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Wolfie Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 Nsunshine, that's a lovely clear plan and the area looks stimulating and really well thought out -I'm envious! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belle06 Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 I second wolfie that is an excellent plan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 Hi I would recommend using as many natural elements as possible - logs laid sideways to balance on, cut across to use as stepping 'stones', a stumpery of old rotting logs to encourage minibeasts, an area for free digging into soil, gravel for pouring down tubes/guttering, a large sand pit. Use different surfaces to provide a variety of textures (allow exploration with bare feet) Planting area to encouage care of plants, knowledge of where food comes from, sensorial plants i.e. curry and lemon balm for smell, buddleia (sp?) to encourage butterflies. Lots of 'loose parts' - open ended materials that the children can move, transport and create with. Old car tyres - can plant up, balance on, step between, roll. A musical area - hang up old pots, tubes etc for children to bang, scrape etc. If you have a budget, don't spend lots of money of huge plastic things - if your area doesn't have any trees invest in a mature one that may offer interest throughout the seasons, encourage wildlife and offer shade in the summer. There should be lots of previous posts on the outdoors and if you search you'll find lots more ideas. 'There's no such thing as unsuitable weather, just unsuitable clothing' enjoy your outdoors Sam X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narnia Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 I was also going to suggest old tyres to use for planting things in.....they make fabulous planters......and are free, garages are glad to get rid of them and the children can't hurt themselves if they bump into them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 http://www.leics.gov.uk/outdoor_learning_publication-2.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 Mant thanks, nsunshine, Marion, narnia, dasher. What fantastic ideas you all have. I just don't know where to start! I wish I had a whole playground now! I love the idea of all those natural elements-I am in a village school with lots of land around us but it will be lovely to bring a bit of the country into our own little area. Many thanks for the link Marion-you know so many sites it's wonderful! Is it possible to spray paint the tyres? Has anyone tried that? Moisy xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 We sprayed some of our tyres pastel colours (girl appeal) we don't use them for planters as we have a big outdoor area with raised beds and flower beds so they do get rolled down hills and things and it wears off but I would think it would last longer if static. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/earlyyears/ab...ntroduction.asp is useful this is a sample of my outdoor area Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 Thanks again Marion. Looks like you have a great outdoor area there with lots of space-kids having fun! Moisy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Sally Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 Marion I love your tables and benches. Did you get someone to make them and were they expensive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 One of our dads made them for us and only charged for the materials. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Sally Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 We are also developing our area and I keep showing your tables and benches and saying I want something like these. Can you leave them outside? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 Yes they have been outside for a year now and are still as good as new. He did say he had given them 7 coats of treatment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Sally Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 I wondered about doing that with the ikea children's furniture as a cheap option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 I know B&Q had some very similar. We originally bought identical tables and benches along with other outdoor furniture from a company recommended by the LA purchasing advisor (hugely expensive) and they warped the first time it rained which is why we asked them to remove everything they had supplied. That was last summer break and we got such a lovely surprise when we returned in September to be greeted by all the new furniture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmileyPR Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 Thanks for all the info and pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 27, 2007 Share Posted September 27, 2007 Lots of lovely ideas! Does anyone have an outdoor learning policy which they would be willing to share? Thanks R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts