Where to start Research shows that play spaces designed by adults for students may not be as interesting or The best way to find out stimulating as they could be9. about a “good play space” is Adults often lose the art of play, and see the world differently. The best way to find out about a “good to talk to students about play space” is to talk to students about their their experiences, about experiences, about what works and what doesn’t, and observe how they like to play. what works and what doesn’t, and observe how It is important students are involved in the they like to play. planning, design and implementation of any play space. This will help to foster stewardship for the play space. Teachers from the different years of Community involvement has the potential to learning can also provide advice about their play enhance the play space and helps to build a sense of space objectives. A play space can ownership and commitment toward the school. This function as a learning space or as an extension of process may involve talking with parents, the local the classroom. Getting ideas from other schools parents and citizens committee, or your local and pictures of play spaces may also help. Case government representatives. Parent, community or studies about innovative play spaces developed at local business donations of help or materials can other schools may also be useful - links are also be a great asset when budgets are tight. available at the end of this Guide. Martin K and Wood L (2013 (in Press). ‘We live here too’… what makes a child 9 friendly neighbourhood? Wellbeing and the Environment. Cooper R, Wood G and Burton E, Wiley-Blackwell publishing. Everyone has an idea of what makes a good play space. Please talk with your clients (photo courtesy of St Stephen’s School- Early Learning Centre, Duncraig).
Where to start Research shows that play spaces designed by adults for students may not be as interesting or stimulating as they could be9. Adults often lose the art of play, and see the world differently. The best way to find out about a “good play space” is to talk to students about their experiences, about what works and what doesn’t, and observe how they like to play. It is important students are involved in the planning, design and implementation of any play space. This will help to foster stewardship for the play space. Teachers from the different years of learning can also provide advice about their play space objectives. A play space can function as a learning space or as an extension of the classroom. Getting ideas from other schools and pictures of play spaces may also help. Case studies about innovative play spaces developed at other schools may also be useful - links are available at the end of this Guide. The best way to find out about a “good play space” is to talk to students about their experiences, about what works and what doesn’t, and observe how they like to play. Community involvement has the potential to enhance the play space and helps to build a sense of ownership and commitment toward the school. This process may involve talking with parents, the local parents and citizens committee, or your local government representatives. Parent, community or local business donations of help or materials can also be a great asset when budgets are tight. 9 Martin K and Wood L (2013 (in Press). ‘We live here too’… what makes a child friendly neighbourhood? Wellbeing and the Environment. Cooper R, Wood G and Burton E, Wiley-Blackwell publishing. Everyone has an idea of what makes a good play space. Please talk with your clients (photo courtesy of St Stephen’s School- Early Learning Centre, Duncraig).
Play-Space-Guide.docx