Creating Nature Play Space at Home

Going to the park, visiting your local zoo, or hiking through the forest are great ways to get your vitamin “nature”. However, sometimes it would be more convenient to have something available right at home. No need for planning or packing for a trip when you can simply walk outside your door into your very own magical play space. Having natural spaces at your own home is also important to your child’s growth. In studies it has been shown that getting adequate time in nature is just as important as a healthy diet and plenty of sleep.

1    Creating a space for your child to directly engage in nature at home is easier than you may think! There are plenty of DIY tips, tricks and instructions to follow. When pondering over the possibilities picking the right theme for your space will be key to allow you to feel comfortable with your child’s play time. Whether it’s a mud kitchen, a loose parts yard, a water play table or a mixed space of all. You can make the area as aesthetically pleasing or messy and playful depending on your family’s dynamic.

         http://wilderchild.com/nature-play-poster/

      As a nature play teacher, here are some aspects that I have found to be an important key to incorporate in your spaces: 

                          1. Manipulative Pieces

                             2. Safety

                             3. Transition Spaces

                             4. Weather Proofing

Manipulative Pieces

Having loose parts in the natural play spaces is important to create memorable connections. Children are more entertained by loose parts that they can manipulate by themselves. It engages them to use their imagination as they take an item and bring it into their imaginary world. If you provide them a plastic play kitchen set-up, that is exactly what the children use it for and eventually they want to move on to something new. However, if you provide them with items such as logs, tires, boxes, fabric pieces, sticks and pine cones, then the children get to create something from their own imaginations. The set-up is ever changing because of the mobility and flexibility of the materials. It’s a non-stop play“game” for the children and as they play they learn so many life skills. Skills like teamwork, expressing their feelings and ideas, simple and complex lessons of physics or engineering.

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Safety 

Safety may be an obvious aspect to keep in mind. However as loving parents, we do not want to kill the free spirit with too many rules. Of course we should look for life threatening dangers, such as sharp objects, electrical outlets near water or similar situations. But keep in mind while the children play they are also learning. They are learning about their own physical abilities, (that may even surprise you) balance, coordination, strength and weight of different objects. The best way for them to learn all these important tactics, is by doing it themselves. So feel free to let them experience and explore.

Transition Spaces

Transition spaces go a little unnoticed but are important to the kids who may need more space to quietly express themselves. Adding spaces to be gently creative, like a drawing board, musical station or a discovery table in between construction and destruction zones are great transitions. These spaces allow for the children to express their different and unique learning styles, while still being a part of the play.

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Weather Proofing 

Weather proofing is an underrated but very important aspect to nature spaces. You want your space to last as much as you enjoy it. Adding shelter of some sort would be loads of fun to extend play time in rainy weather. Making sure all your wooden objects are sealed for water damage will greatly lengthen their lives. I have found sand to be a difficult material to keep around. Rain washes it away and children love to spread it to other places, but if you do choose it, a tarp cover would help preserve it. 

 

Adding plants that properly fit your space will add bountiful life. Rain gardens are fun to add to areas that receive excessive amounts of rain and moisture to help control the flooding.

In conclusion, you have the power to help create meaningful memories outdoors for your children. Creating natural play spaces is convenient and personable. There are many different ways to create magical play spaces, click on the links throughout the article that reference the photos for more inspiration and specifics. Happy exploring!

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