Recess is the only time out of their academically rigorous day to unwind and play. Our bare playground with its open space is great for gross motor movement, but is lacking in terms of creative play. The long journey to bring in blocks for our students finally paid off. On Friday the 13th, the CommunityPlaythings Outlast Shed arrived and was delivered directly to our schoolyard. Anxious to introduce them to my students, we quickly got our jackets on and went out for outdoor play.
The shed was delivered already built. The blocks were boxed and needed to be unpacked. We took this time to get familiar with all the different kinds of blocks, crates, and wheel-barrel. Our students took the first day exploring the blocks and learning about how they should be put away.
Rules and Safety procedures.
1) There should always be an adult by the building area ensuring children are building safely
2) Structures should be about a child's shoulder height. Make sure whatever they are building is sturdy and won't fall.
3) Children should be encourage to use their imagination but refrain from using blocks as weapons.
4) Keep blocks in the designated building area. They should not be taking blocks to the jungle gym area.
5) The really long hollow blocks require two kids to move around and students should be working together in their construction. Inform them that dragging the blocks may damage them. They can use the wheelbarrow to help transport.
6) One child on the wheelbarrow at walking speed. The wheelbarrow should be by the building area as well.
Clean up procedure
1) All blocks must be put back in the shed after play
2) Small blocks can be stored in the crates then put back in the shed by an adult
3) Children can help the clean up process by sorting and stacking blocks.
4) Long hollow blocks go on the bottom of the shelf
5) Flat boards go in the middle
6) Wheel-barrel can fit in if the bottom level of the shed is cleared and the wheel-barrel is turned to stand.