Guest Author - Jeanette Norman

Learning is not just done in the classroom! This area should become more than large muscle equipment for play. In the state of Ohio, if the temperature is 32° F or higher, we are required to take children outdoors everyday for at least 15 minutes.

During warmer months, the sand and water table can be rolled outside. If you have space, a slower bed or small garden is a wonderful experience to children. Even if you don’t’ have any grass, you can make a small flower garden. Place a piece of heavy plastic on the ground. Paint an old tire and place it on top of the plastic. Fill with top or potting soil. Add flower (preferably) or seeds. Vegetables can grow in this too.

Art activities can be placed outdoors weather permitting. Messy activities such as finger paints, sidewalk chalks, and using clay are good ideas for play.

I always tried to incorporate a quiet area for children to rest. Provide a basket of toys that children can sit on the ground to play with.

Teacher Role

Being alert and aware of activities at all times. Outdoor time is for social interaction with the children to fellow teachers. I say this because the centers I worked at and the two that my son went to the teachers stood together talking with only half of their attention on the children. This is how accidents happen most often.

Observe the surroundings to engage children in conversations. Look for insects, cloud formations, or plants to talk about.