At The Village, we believe in the power of play! One question we often hear from parents is, “Is the playground for free play, or do you have restrictions/rules?” We’re happy to share our approach and how we balance fun with safety and learning.
Free Play with Purpose
Our playground is a space where children can truly be children! They have the freedom to run, jump, slide, climb, and let their energy out. We encourage them to use their imaginations, whether it’s building sandcastles, creating sidewalk masterpieces, or engaging in imaginative games. We believe playground time should be fun and filled with minimal constraints, allowing children to explore and discover.
Guiding Principles for Safe and Engaging Play
While we emphasize free play, we also have a few simple rules to ensure everyone stays safe and has a positive experience. These rules are less about restriction and more about fostering a kind, cooperative, and respectful environment:
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Be Kind: We encourage children to treat each other with kindness and empathy.
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Play Nicely Together: Sharing, taking turns, and cooperating are key to a happy playground.
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Be Polite – Take Turns: Learning to wait and share is an important social skill.
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Listen to Your Teachers: Our teachers are there to guide and support the children, ensuring safety and positive interactions.
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Slides Are For Bottoms Only: This rule is a fun reminder to use the slide safely.
Gross Motor Exercise and Creative Exploration
Did you know that playground activities are considered “gross motor exercise” by professionals? We take this seriously! Our teachers are thrilled to see children running, playing, and being creative. They observe and encourage, stepping in only when necessary to offer gentle reminders or suggest ways to enhance the play experience.
Beyond Free Play: Intentional Learning Spaces
It’s important to clarify that our playground isn’t solely for unstructured free play. We strategically incorporate elements to meet NAEYC and STARS criteria, ensuring a well-rounded developmental experience. You’ll find:
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Telescopes and play structures (cafes, gas stations, play cars, etc.) for dramatic play.
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Built-in xylophones and wind chimes for musical exploration.
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Outdoor dry-erase boards for artistic expression.
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Sandboxes, water tables, and sensory bins for sensory exploration.
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Gardening areas to foster scientific discovery.
Teacher-Led Gross Motor Activities
To further enhance the learning experience, our teachers include an outdoor gross motor activity in their lesson plans. This might involve drawing with chalk, outdoor yoga, duck, duck, goose, playing catch, or other engaging activities. These planned activities ensure that children are developing crucial physical skills while also having fun.
A Balance of Freedom and Guidance
Our goal is to create a playground environment where children can thrive. We believe in providing the freedom to explore and express themselves while also ensuring safety and fostering positive social interactions.
We invite you to visit our playground and see the joy and learning that takes place! We’re confident you’ll see how we create a space where children can truly be children while developing essential skills.
Want to learn more about The Village? Contact us today to schedule a tour!
