Parks and playgrounds are special places for children. They can bring families together in a community and support exercise and nature play. Early childhood services can identify popular playgrounds, parks and nature reserves, and incorporate these into their program.
EYLF learning outcomes
The Early Years Learning Framework encourages children to connect with places (4.4), develop a sense of belonging in their community (2.1), and show respect for the environment (2.4). Playground equipment supports health and physical wellbeing (3.2).
Learning experiences
Play with a small world
Fill the bottom of a trough with grass and leaves to represent a park. Add in loose parts so children can play with their own mini landscape:
- Bits of blue fabric, to represent a pond.
- Twigs with leaves still attached, to represent trees.
- Green playdough, to help the trees stand up.
- Toy people and animals.
- Provide children with Lego so they can build their own playground equipment.
Design your dream playground
Encourage children to draw or build a model of their ideal playground, promoting imagination and spatial thinking. A model could be built using blocks, playdough or cardboard.
Community connections
Early childhood educators can arrange these learning experiences at playgrounds or parks in their neighbourhoods:
- Storytelling sessions with nature-themed books. Children can bring a soft toy and a picnic to share.
- Discussions about safety rules, including how to use equipment properly, the importance of taking turns, sun safety, and being aware of your surroundings.
- Scavenger hunts, where children search for specific natural items like leaves, rocks, insects and flowers.
- A park clean-up day where staff and families can participate in picking up litter and contributing to the care of their community space.
Events
Australia and New Zealand Parks Week is held in March.