The family backyard or patio can easily include an area designed for children. Many outside areas include extending the living area and families are gathering there. For young children, the yard can contain areas that are designed for their developmental needs. There are basic elements to include in planning and creating this space.
Access to water is foremost. Children are drawn to water and access allows them to water plants, have a water table for play and exploration, wash vegetables or even shells and, of course, wash their hands.
Tools are important and they should be child size but real and sturdy. A pallet can be used as a place where tools can hang when not in use but are readily available. Small tools and gardening gloves are recommended for a garden. A small raised garden is perfect and doesn’t take up much space.
Consider the 5 senses when designing the space. Flowers can make pops of color, drums and pots and pans can be used to create different sounds. Even wind chimes are welcome and bird feeders to bring in the sounds of birds. Set up a table with different textures and include twigs and rocks and a sand and water bin. A pallet can also be used to set up a sensory wall and different frames of tasks or textures can be mounted. Toy catalogues have many of these items.
Tasting the strawberries, they grow, or touching and smelling herbs adds to the sensory experience.
Throwing bean bags into a hoop can provide gross motor and coordination building as well as some climbing equipment. And last, but not least, is a pretend play area. A pretend area could be a playhouse or a path to move small cars and toys around.
Have fun and let your child’s imagination run wild!