Reasons to Get Outside…Even When it’s Cold

Noses are running, fingers are numb, and it takes lots of time and patience to get everyone bundled up to go outside and play on the playground equipment. When you finally do get outside, everyone’s ready to come back inside … READ MORE

The 6 Best Ways to Learn & Play with Leaves

There are so many ways to get outside and enjoy the changing leaves – the colors and textures can be so much fun! Of course, who doesn’t love raking leaves into a big pile and jumping in them? But when … READ MORE

Language Development on the Playground

Language development is one of the most important skills children learn through play. Children are learning how to interact with the world. They’re honing their ability to understand others and to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs. The preschool playground … READ MORE

Fall is in the Air: Observe, Explore, Document

The change in the temperature has signified that fall is upon us.  The crisp air and cooler temperatures bring significant observable changes outside.  A wonderful and common activity to do with children in the fall is to observe the changing … READ MORE

Observe the Creepy Crawlies of Autumn

As the weather begins to cool off, there are several creepy crawlies, a.k.a. bugs and insects, that begin to swarm as they look for warmer places to be. How many of these have you seen in or around your playground? … READ MORE

Explore Musical Intelligence

“Music is the art of thinking with sounds.”  – Jules Combarieu Many years ago, I had a boy in my program who loved to dump out the toys in the bins, turn the bins over, and drum to his heart’s … READ MORE

5 Myths About Sensory Play

First, what is sensory play? Sensory play is play that engages children in activities that stimulate one or more of their senses. This includes sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, and movement. It creates an opportunity for children to learn about … READ MORE

Explore Existential Intelligence and Nature

  One of my favorite nature advocates, Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, explains the importance of children’s connections to nature below:   “Wonder is when you are 3-4 years old, you go out in your backyard, … READ MORE

Playground Add-Ins

Wash the Playground Let’s Wash, Wash, Wash, Wash the Playground. Children love to help in any kind of way they can. Giving toddlers washcloths and towels and letting them wipe the slides and equipment provides them with loads of fun. … READ MORE

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Spring is underway, and it’s a great time to be outside breathing the fresh air, feeling the warmth of the sun, listening to the birds sing, and seeing the beauty of the trees and flowers. What a great opportunity for … READ MORE