[Note- Here are the notes I took that day, edited for clarity]
Notes – Day 1 Session 1
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Natural playscapes: Designing outdoor play environments for the soul
Environmental Education for Children 3-hour Wednesday session — limit 8 presenters
All Children
11/15/2017 8:15 AM – 11:15 AM Room B306
Georgia World Congress Center
Rusty Keeler, Artist/Designer/Author, EarthPlay
This presentation will introduce participants to the importance of connecting children with nature, natural playscape design history and theory, inspire hands-on design and drawing, incorporate nature-based curriculum development and delivery and lead the group through project implementation and planning of yard transformations at their own facilities. The presentation will cover what a natural playscape is, why it is important, latest relevant data and research, and examples of best practice examples of natural playscapes from around the world. Most importantly participants will be able to create their own natural playscape designs and discuss curriculum ideas and implementations strategies in small and large groups. We will discuss 5 basic elements of playscape design: changing topography, creating pathways, adding boulders, sand, and water. Additional components will be introduced to create areas for art/creative play, dramatic play, science concepts, and areas that enhance social skills and collaboration. Participants will then be led through a playscape dreaming and designing exercise that also helps them inventory their community resources that can help make their playscape designs a reality when they go back home.
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Sensory plants, different textures
-seasons what plants celebrate the seasons
every project has a dreamer
where did you play as a child?
– risk is good and important to provide opportunities in a safe way – let the child make that decision
we want them to be able to assess risk for themselves
translate those memories into the kids today
list of things I love or hate about our space
Love
hills
lots of water
lots of sand
large rocks
garden
useless boxes
leaves and pieces everywhere
tear apart & plants
Hate
fake grass
lack of shade
few ‘hiding spots’
not much flat space, poles to hang
pebbles
too much sand
too high & thick monkey bars
lack of mud
[I thought it says something that I could quickly fill up my ‘hate’ list and had to really focus and appreciate the ‘love’ list]
less maintained – lots of edibles
wood cutouts of animals
Portland- needs to change spaces within backyard
montanta – big drum
platform with fabric
-large boulders – subdividing area – mixed with soil
NC- has big trees, squirrels, birds
FL- homemade seesaw ,loves backyard. made wall with stones
stage – shower curtains
how do we keep the environment safe from the kids?
-our abundance
redesigning policies
one idea: beautiful spaces open for free play
forming that connection with grass, butterflies
(surround with nature so it gets in their hearts)
Ask them we are in search of _______ plants
The kids get in it, have it be their space (you can adjust as needed with which plants need more shade etc)
Exploring a planet in outer space
its more than a playground, its their introduction to the outside world, the planet.
nature materials and plants
plants
– see process : bloom, seeds etc
plant as many as you can – over abundance
plants that change colors
spaces where kids CAN do the digging
some areas manicured, some areas not
can we get a chicken? – fire? (coals?)
Architecture (little houses)
Trees – interesting shadows
how can your environment feel living?
Wind chimes – metal, bamboo, wood
– netting from soccer goals
Jerusalem Artichoke, Sunchoke
musical instrument
sculpted fountain
Thunderdrum
water tables
plant team – teachers?
it doesn’t have to be of what we think as a forest – it is to them
barrel planters – levels
rain wheel
contact city forester
[cob – clay, sand construction]
Kale forest – Brussel sprout forest
building a playscape but bringing people together
– they care about it because they had a hand in it
– builds social time
willows
smells kitchen – herbs
– even offer trays of expired herbs – cupcake tins for them to create their own smells
clay tiles
mount tv
“If you don’t ask the answer is always no” quote
Form an excited team
dream your playspace
materials wishlist
people resources
draw your dream
ask for help
Trackers – Portland – Clem(?)
Tuff jacket