Infant Model Classroom training video 4 Outdoor Play Playground

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of outdoor play for children's learning and development. It highlights that outdoor time should be a planned and routine part of the day for all children, including infants. The script suggests starting with a familiar routine of going outside every morning and afternoon, and ensuring children have appropriate clothing. It also covers the need for a 'boo-boo bag' with essential items like tissues, band-aids, and an EpiPen if needed. Engaging children in outdoor activities is crucial, and teachers are encouraged to use various strategies, such as singing, storytelling, and providing a variety of materials. The script also mentions incorporating technology for check-ins and capturing photos of playtime. Water play is a significant component during warmer months, with activities like sprinklers and sensory bins. The goal is to help children explore and learn about the natural world around them.

Takeaways

• 🌞 **Consistent Outdoor Routine**: Taking children outside every morning and afternoon helps them anticipate and look forward to outdoor time.
• 🧥 **Appropriate Clothing**: Parents should provide suitable outdoor clothing and shoes for their children to ensure comfort in various weather conditions.
• 📝 **Outdoor Weather Policy**: There's a policy in place for outdoor activities during extreme temperatures, which can be checked with the administrator.
• 🚫 **Inclusion in Outdoor Play**: All children are included in outdoor play daily, unless there's a specific request from a parent, which should be addressed with an administrator.
• 🧸 **Preparation for Play**: Teachers should bring a boo-boo bag, sign-in book, and iPad for documentation when heading outdoors.
• 🚼 **Incorporating Language Skills**: Using a stroller for a walk can help build language skills as teachers describe the environment to the children.
• 🌳 **Exploration and Play**: Encourage children to explore and play outside using various materials, including natural items like branches and stones.
• 🎈 **Engagement Strategies**: Teachers can engage reluctant children by initiating play with toys or starting with songs and stories.
• 📅 **Lesson Plan Integration**: There's a designated section in the daily lesson plan for outdoor activities, with specific games and activities planned in advance.
• 🎵 **Transition Cue**: Having a song or cue to signal the end of outdoor play helps children transition back inside and aids in cleaning up.
• 💧 **Water Play**: In the summer, infants participate in water play, which includes using sprinklers and sensory bins filled with water.
• ☀️ **Sun Protection**: Ensure children have signed permission for sunscreen application and are appropriately dressed for water play with bathing suits, hats, and sunscreen.
• 🌱 **Learning Through Nature**: Outdoor play is essential for children to learn about the natural world and develop a sense of ownership and connection with their environment.

Q & A

Why is outdoor time important for children?

Outdoor time is important for children because it offers many learning opportunities and is an extension of the classroom. It helps children explore and engage with the natural world.

How can teachers make outdoor time a comfortable routine for young children?

Teachers can make outdoor time a comfortable routine by taking children outside every morning and afternoon, making it a familiar part of their daily routine.

What should parents provide to ensure their children are prepared for outdoor time?

Parents should provide appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes for their children every day.

What should teachers do if a parent requests that their child not go outdoors?

Teachers should explain that all children participate in outdoor play every day. If needed, they can refer the parent to an administrator for further discussion.

What items should teachers bring with them to the playground?

Teachers should bring a boo-boo bag with tissues, band-aids, gloves, a garbage bag, and an EpiPen if needed. They should also bring their sign-in book and iPad for tracking attendance and taking photos.

How can teachers use a buggy stroller walk to build language skills?

Teachers can build language skills during a buggy stroller walk by talking with the children about what they see, hear, feel, and notice.

What are some activities that children can engage in during outdoor playtime?

Children can engage in activities such as riding toys, push toys, exploring natural materials, playing ring-around-the-rosie, ball games, shadow tag, and bubble catching.

How can teachers encourage reluctant children to participate in outdoor activities?

Teachers can encourage reluctant children by sitting on the ground and playing with toys, singing songs, reading stories, and providing a variety of materials for exploration.

What is the purpose of including outdoor activities in the lesson plans?

Including outdoor activities in the lesson plans ensures that outdoor time is planned and structured, providing specific activities for children to engage in each day.

How should teachers prepare for and manage water play for infants during the summer?

Teachers should change infants into bathing suits, hats, and apply sunscreen with signed permission. They can use sprinklers on a low setting or sensory bins filled with water for water play.