Create sensory and educational school play areas with alternative surfaces

Published by admin | Filed under Education

School play areas should no longer be the drab concrete area of old, they should be colourful, exciting and stimulating places to play.

School play areas should be stimulating, creative and exciting places to play, they should not only capture a child’s imagination but should also provide a safe area which encourages healthy mental and physical development. Too many schools only offer a playing field and a dull concreted area. The Government’s Play Strategy published in December 2008 goes some way to encouraging better play facilities with £235 million of backed investment which will be used throughout communities and not just within schools. Most school playing areas were designed some years ago by adults who probably didn’t consider all the advantages of outdoor play.

Play sustains the healthy development of children. Whilst playing gross motor skills including walking, jumping and kicking will be strengthened, hand/eye co-ordination can be developed through throwing a ball, whilst kicking a ball will help with balance. By allowing children time to play social skills will be enhanced as they form groups of friends. Whilst all these skills can be formed on that concrete playground or playing field why not fuel development even further by creating an outside space that stands out.

The developments over the years in artificial surfaces allows play areas to become colourful and sensory areas. There are a variety of products available to consider when creating a new play area. One of these products is , the children can consider the impact on the environment.
Art & Design/Design & Technology - If you are considering creating a new play area why not make it a project for the children. Let the children design areas. By giving the children the responsibility it will fuel their imagination for the outdoors. Look at the technology behind the products being used.
PE - Dedicate an area that makes keeping fit exciting and not a chore. Some artificial grasses are made specifically from sports use.

Play areas can be tailored to children throughout Key Stage development. By using surfaces such as those mentioned above children with special educational needs can also benefit hugely.

Learning through play should be an all year round activity and this can be helped along by creating a play area which fuels the imagination when using surfaces such as artificial grass and rubber tiles.

About the author

Related Posts

• 5 Top Studies In Alternative Healing Colleges
• Effectiveness of schooling in the early childhood phase
• Direct Launching-an Alternative Route
• Do You Need a Degree to Become a Graphic Designer?
• Are Caribbean Medical Schools Worth it?