How To Create A Fun Learning Environment For Kids In The Playground

Playgrounds that have been designed really well can provide endless opportunities for fun and learning for the pupils lucky enough to play in them every day. To inspire your playground design, here’s a quick guide to help you cultivate a nourishing learning environment for your pupils: The Benefits Of Playgrounds Playgrounds are a great way to increase physical activity in children, and to help them develop their cognitive abilities, their fine and gross motor skills, their strength, social skills and more. We also know that time in the playground, and outdoors in general, helps children to manage stress and mental health issues. 10% of 5-16 year olds have a diagnosed mental health condition, and the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem like anxiety has increased by 50% in the last three years alone. Having time to express feelings, enjoy physical activity and have lots of fun, is not only beneficial to children, but essential. Schools can help their pupils to be healthier and happier by enhancing this playground space, maximising opportunity for play and learning. How To Create A Fun Learning Environment For Kids In The Playground Any outdoor space is a world of opportunity for a child to have fun, so your playground, even without anything in it, is a place of wonder to your pupils. However, there are certainly some extra ways you can create an environment for them that simultaneously helps them to learn and develop, whilst also having tons of fun every break time. Here are some handy ways to transform your playground into a fun and educational space: Playground Markings Playground markings are stunning, bright and inviting additions to the playground. You can add colourful characters and simple patterns (especially great for preschoolers), court markings, game markings and tracks. Games like snakes and ladders are particularly great at encouraging kids to play whilst they also become familiar with numbers and other academic concepts. Playground Equipment Playground equipment like playground towers, climbing frames and mud kitchens are the perfect way to excite children and engage them in active, educational play. By using features such as swings, ladders, climbing walls and climbing blocks they are using their muscles and bones, increasing their confidence and social abilities, and playing out creative and imaginary situations. Social Areas Playground markings and playground furniture can encourage children to socialise and congregate in one area, which helps children to make friends. These areas are also incredibly handy for outdoor lessons, where children can listen to story time, or learn about an interesting topic in the fresh air. Growing Plants & Ideas Planters, herb gardens and sunflower measuring graphics, are all great for playgrounds. During supervised play, they help children to engage in nature and learn about science and the world around them, whilst they’re also having fun getting their hands in the soil. New plants can be grown season after season, and when the planters are flourishing, visually pleasing plants will grow and boost the aesthetics of the space. Throughout this time the children can check on the progress of their leafy projects and learn more about them at their different stages throughout the year. Playground Accessories There are lots of accessories you can add to a playground to help enhance the fun and learning opportunities of the space. Accessories like play mirrors and blocks encourage children to make up scenarios and play them out. To dance, build and create. Adding props like buckets and safe child-friendly tools to areas like play shelters and playground trains can encourage imaginative play, letting children express themselves, practise language, listening, putting on ‘other people’s shoes’ and playing out emotions – all highly beneficial for their development and emotional health. What Will Your New Playground Look Like? If you would like help planning out and designing a new fun and educational playground layout, please speak to a member of the Sovereign Play team. We can answer any questions you may have and help you create the perfect playground for your pupils. With the right high-quality equipment, aesthetics and overall design, your playground can provide endless fun learning opportunities for pupils day after day, term after term.

For more information on How To Create A Fun Learning Environment For Kids In The Playground talk to Sovereign Design Play Systems Ltd