Do you plan specific outside activities for your preschool children or do they go outside to the playground and run around and play?
In a perfect world, I would have specific outside activities. I was usually so exhausted that I would just let them play. I would at least set up something like a water table.
When I worked in preschool I didn't have planned activities for outside. I would occasionally 'create' one to re-direct if necessary. Outside time is time to let loose and run free!
Let loose and run free! I brought this up because every once in a while, someone gets a bug up their butt that we should plan outdoor activities. So, then begins the saga of stupid ideas that never last because the kids don't need to be entertained outside. There is one staff in particular that enjoys singing loud songs and playing wild games with the kids. She's also the one who takes the kids out front of the building and they get the trucks going by to honk at them, while she stands out in front of them on the sidewalk making a spectacle of herself. It's insane. Anyway, I was just curious as to what others think. I put my time and effort into classroom activities and do not think it's necessary to plan things outdoors for them. The playground has tons of bikes, swings, sand, etc.
It is mostly free play, but we have an outdoor teacher who plans some activities every day the children are free to choose.
I think you are an amazing teacher who really "gets" Early Childhood! I'm tired of the ones who get the bug up their butt types!
Grammy teacher, it is okay with me if you don't plan activities for outside. As long as every child is happy, I am happy.
Unfortunately I have to plan every outdoor activity. My outdoor area consists of a slab of concrete, some grassy area covered in goose poop and a playground that only the older children are allowed on. It's terrible and sad and I hate every minute of outdoor time!
Some kids have a hard time with the no guidance part of recess. Sometimes I also used outside time to "get to" the more kinetic kids who would rather learn that way anyway. I would make a plan (low prep time) and then if they could come up with their own plan they were allowed to avoid. If they then had issues or just sat around I asked them to do what ever was planned. But it was a physical thing....not just abject boredom. I also used water play and what not to reinforce the lesson.
In the winter I let them bring out dolls and teddy bears and give them sled rides. We do lots of art projects outside in the warm months, but that's not physical. Still lots of fun!
Our curriculum calls for outdoor optional activities as they would be presented in a free exploration period. Unfortunately several other classes use our outside space. Our program is exceedingly strict about what is allowed, how it is used and how it is taken care of. Since centers are not allowed to stay out, and must be removed and taken apart and put away all in the space of 30 minutes, it doesn't really happen. Kids are constantly going to the bathroom and need an escort. centers need monitors, but teachers are expected to sweep paths and stay on corners to observe for safety, so, it doesn't really happen. If I bring elements out, say art, books, or instruments, I have to make sure I watch all that area and control it and get it all put away immediately all while watching all 40 children on the playground. So, what the curriculum says and what is do able are two different things. Outside time is sterile and just free gross motor.
FREE PLAY!!! Best way to learn social skills! If my son didn't get free play I would find a new center.
Unstructured outdoor time. They need some time to run and scream. I only intervene if someone is being unsafe.
Free play here too. I like to be available to redirect children whose play is getting too rough or unkind to someone else, but it's always their choice. They HAVE to get out and play!!
As I read these comments, I see several different definitions of planned activities and free play. I allow the children to go outside for free time, but I bring out the play props that I choose. Then, the children choose from the extra activities or the basic play ground set up. We have a storage shed full of toys. Sometimes I just open the door and let the kids pick anything and everything. Sometimes I want some children to work on large muscles, so only pull out trikes. It looks like many of us create a play area that works for our own needs.
