Our Philosophy on Outdoor Play

Developed by Kim Brodribb and Cheryl Roberts

All children need to spend time outdoors involved in free play. Free play to us is play that is not created by the adults; it comes from the child or children involved. Therefore, we believe it is our role to introduce children to a wide range of resources that they can utilise to facilitate their play - not always create lovely environments for them. Staff can play with children but we don't want to intrude on their play. Sometimes this means that staff are watching the children and are there to guide or assist when they are needed.

We strongly believe that children need to be able to develop their own ideas from scratch. For many children this is difficult skill to learn and develop but we believe it will certainly benefit them in the future. Free play can open the door for many play ideas which means that sometimes the play isn't safe - it is then our role to talk to the child/ren about our concerns. Using language that involves our feelings, e.g. "I am feeling a bit scared!" "Do you know what is making me scared?" In most cases children can answer and begin to learn about boundaries, rules and why we have them.

In some situations we do create environments or make suggestions to children to help get them started, we can be involved in their play and offer ideas; but it is important to listen to the children and make them responsible in directing their play.

Whilst playing children are continuously learning and developing skills. They will develop their:

• Physical skills such as strength, coordination and balance when they climb on equipment;
• Social and emotional skills such as sharing, turn taking and cooperation;
• Language skills when involved in group role-play games;
• Basic mathematical skills through measuring and filling containers with water or sand;
• Problem solving skills through sorting out their own disputes.