Schools branch out, plunge into nature play Image courtesy of Timber Creations
By Rosie Clarke, Editor
hideaways for quiet reading, and even musical instruments, log animals, and sensory gardens for creative inspiration.
Sustainable play space environments benefit from a combination of architectural landscape design, and pedagogy- informed equipment options. A review conducted by University of South Australia researchers, Kylie Dankiw and Katherine Baldock was the first to provide empirical evidence that supports the development of innovative nature play spaces in childcare centres and schools. The study notes that nature play boosted fitness, motor skills, learning, as well as social and emotional development in children. They also suggested possible improvements in cognitive and learning outcomes, including “children’s levels of attention and concentration, punctuality, settling in class (even after play), constructive play, social play, as well as imaginative and functional play”. Dankiw commented: “It’s about making mud pies, creating stick forts, having an outdoor
54
Keen to explore recent installations relevant to Australian schools, we approached nature play facilitators to find out more.
School sector expertise from the industry Banksia Rd Public School - Image courtesy of Timber Creations
adventure, and getting dirty. “These are all things that children love to do, but unfortunately, as society has become more sedentary, risk averse and time-poor, fewer children are having these opportunities. By playing in nature, children can build their physical capabilities – their balance, fitness, and strength. And, as they play with others, they learn valuable negotiation skills, concepts of sharing and friendships, which may contribute to healthy emotional and social resilience.” While some schools are moving classes completely outdoors to
fully immerse students in nature, many mainstream schools are instead integrating aspects of nature-based learning into their school environments. Play spaces are a versatile way to accomplish this while giving new life to underused areas of your campus. Embarking on a school-wide project to transform your existing environment into thriving learning areas and imaginative play spaces can be fun as well as productive. And, as mentioned, nature play spaces are frequently versatile enough to double as teaching environments, with natural seating for group work,
PROPERTY
Timber Creations’ Madelyn Smith talked us through a recent project undertaken at Banksia Rd Public School to transform an awkward mound of dirt which had been used as a rubbish dump into a usable playground space. She revealed: “The mound was cleaned up, compacted, and a range of interesting ways to clamber and climb it were added as well as a slide. The final outcome included branch scrambles, balance beams, ramps, stepping logs, as well as discovery play elements tying into the rest of the school, such as rope climbs, a sorting bench, a self-build cubby, balance beam, and more. Term 1, 2022 | school-news.com.au
