Our New Play Space - part 1

Holy doodles!!!  What an undertaking!  As part of our transformation into FDK we relocated our Kindergarten yard to accommodate the number of children who would being playing here.  We had big dreams about the possibilities this space provided.  To say that the current yard is...umm, shall we say, bare??  Would be giving it to much glory LOL.  Take a look....not much going on...

Over the past months (let's be honest, it has taken a whole year to get to this point) we have been planning, meeting with Board Plant Department people, re-planning, meeting with Parent Council, re-planning,  looking for donations, running fundraisers, and so on all with the dream of creating an Outdoor Learning Space that will match the awesome-ness...that's a word right??...of our students.

We want a space that will inspire creativity.  One that will allow kids to grow and learn in ways not possible inside the classroom.  To encourage risk-assessment when they play (how high should I jump, will I fall off, can I balance on this).  We also want to add as much natural elements as possible, and instill a sense of care and responsibility towards the environment.

After what feels like forever (slight over-dramatization), the time has finally come!  We start construction this weekend (insert stadium cheering here).  Check back in next week for updates.

Here are a couple photos that inspired our planning:

(If I could not find the source of these photos, and you know where they are from please let me know so that I can give them credit)


Since we have a lot of pavement area that we cannot dig up, we have decided to put game stencils down.  We are planning to freehand several hopscotch and four square games, but purchased these 2 stencils.  I will review them for you after we have used them to let you know how intensive the process was.

both stencil from Fast Line Striping and Systems Systems
 http://fastlinestencils.com/stencils/clicklink.php?toprank=2&top10name=ALPHABET%20TREE%20OF%20KNOWLEDGE


Our overall "feel" for the space will hopefully look something like these photos:

We really like the idea of a stage area for dramatic play.  Love the mirror as a backdrop.
We are also planning large rocks as stadium seating for the audience (super cute!).

The natural obstacle course will be the biggest section of our yard.  So excited to see the kiddos enjoying this space...and me too.  I foresee me crawling on my hands and knees a few times with the kids :)
http://www.handmade4u.co.uk/PARK.htm

We tried to install a music wall earlier in the year.  Between the weather and the abuse, I mean active play, our students showed it, it didn't last long.  We are hoping to rebuild this area but plan on waiting until the next school year begins.
http://pre-schoolplay.blogspot.ca/2011/05/music-wall.html

I am SO THRILLED that we have been able to purchase these bongo drums for our yard.  I think our students will be wild with excitement.  I have no idea when they are arriving...but I could squeal with happiness that our kids get to experience this musical fun!  Check outwww.naturalplaygrounds.ca for more products they sell.  It is pretty pricey, but I am anticipating wee worth the cost.

Run, jump, balance, climb...what more could you ask for :)

Love the idea for a natural climber, as opposed to a metal one.  We haven't secured one of these babies...but we are still holding on to the dream LOL

SO thankful to some families in our school who will be donating the lumber to border our sandbox and obstacle course!

So that's it!  Cross your fingers that tomorrow goes well.  I know we won't get it all done, but let's hope we can see a real transformation begin.  I am SO ready for this yard to become a reality!!
Talk again soon,Carly