George’s Jungle Child Care/Preschool

We make sure each year we include the children in our plans to change or add new adventures. Some areas become old and its important to keep their attention and supply them with areas that will encourage growth in learning as well as peak and continue their interest in nature. Even our youngest, at 2 years of age, contributes each year. All the children encourage each other and seem to take more responsibility in making sure our outdoor classroom is always maintained.

This year we added a friendship bench and a camping area that the school age kids designed and put together. We repaint our pathway stones every other year and invite our parents to help their children if they want. This year as the weather has been warmer than normal, I still find the kids are all about playing outside. We have planted two trees in the past that are finally giving us some shade, placed umbrellas and hung shading tarps.

We have one area called George’s mine. This year I ordered more mining tools and rocks, but the best part was when the kids decided they wanted to start digging a hole. Of course I said yes! Then they asked for a wooden ladder so once they had the large hole done they could put the ladder in the ground and pretend they were actually going down into the mine to find coal and crystal. I wish I knew what next years areas will look like. I guess I will find out when all these little creative minds decide what they want to incorporate in our natural and learning play area.

This year we also added new signs to each outdoor area, we decided we want the older kids to know how many kids could play in an area safely but also our smaller kids. So we put a number for the older ones and stick figures for the younger ones so both know how many kids can play together. It has been a blessing and it keeps it safe for everyone by not being overcrowded.

 

 

Learn more about this classroom on their certification page!