Glen Education Chelsea

The Importance of the Outdoor Environment

Glen Chelsea Educational Team

When we think of the learning environment, we often consider the indoor space as the most important. At Glen Chelsea Kindergarten we are committed to an indoor/outdoor program where children have the opportunity to move seamlessly between the spaces throughout each day. We know that children learn in a space that they feel safe and comfortable in, and for many children this is the outdoor space.

As educators we spend time carefully planning and preparing the environments. We are constantly reflecting on the learning opportunities we provide for children.

Swing Space

Our swing space is designed to enhance children's physical development and social skills. Swinging has supported many of our children build gross motor skills, coordination, and confidence by encouraging safe risk-taking. Additionally, it serves as a social hub where children learn to take turns, share, and cooperate, fostering a sense of community. The rhythmic motion of swinging also provides a soothing sensory experience, aiding in emotional regulation and allowing our children to approach other activities with a calm, focused mindset.

Fairy Garden Space

Our fairy garden space stimulates imagination and creativity through its enchanting setup of a fairy house, mushroom stones, and natural elements. This area has encouraged our children to create stories and engage in imaginative play, promoting cognitive and creative growth. It also fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion by reflecting diverse cultures. The fairy garden supports hands-on exploration and curiosity about the natural world, while also facilitating social interactions and collaborative role-playing, and enhancing communication skills.

A-Frame Space

In our outdoor space we have created a space with different size A-frames for all the children to be able to climb and explore. These different A-frames give the children the opportunity to build their confidence in climbing and risky play during the kindergarten program, by setting up a jump with the big a-frame. 

Over this term the A-frames have gradually increased in size from the smaller ones to the larger ones set-up with a wooden plank between allowing the children to jump onto a mat below. In the last few weeks, we have been able to move the wooden plank up higher on the A-frame for higher jumps, which the children have loved. It has been wonderful watching the children who initially needed support to climb the big A-frame, build their confidence through practicing climbing on the 2 smaller A-frames first, to now being able to do accomplish it on their own. This has also given the other children an opportunity to help each other and sharing in the triumph of climbing higher.

We are excited to see how these learning spaces will help the children develop new skills and continue to learn throughout the year.