Outdoor play is an integral part of early childhood development, offering numerous benefits from physical activity to social interaction and imaginative play. With high performance synthetic grass, playgrounds can transform into clean, safe, and versatile environments that encourage children to engage in new and exciting ways. In this guide, we’ll provide practical tips for teachers on how to make the most of an synthetic grass playground, highlighting how kids play differently on turf, and incorporating the unique features of PlayMounds.
The Unique Play Benefits of Synthetic Grass
Synthetic grass has a soft, clean surface that invites children to interact with it in ways they wouldn’t with traditional playground surfaces. Here are some key differences in how children play on synthetic grass:
1. Full-Body Play
Unlike other playground surfaces, where children’s feet are often the only part of their bodies that make contact, high performance synthetic grass encourages full-body play. Kids naturally feel more inclined to sit, roll, and lie on the soft turf. This type of play is crucial for their sensory development and physical coordination. The texture of synthetic grass is inviting and comfortable, making it a preferred surface for activities that involve more bodily contact.
2. Imaginative Play
Synthetic grass fosters imaginative play by providing a versatile surface that can easily become anything in a child’s imagination. It can be a picnic area, a magic carpet, or the floor of a castle. The consistent, clean surface removes distractions and discomfort, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in their imaginative worlds. A synthetic grass surface is perhaps the most valuable feature you can add to a play area because it invites creativity and interaction in very imaginative ways.
3. Social Interaction
The inviting nature of syntheticmgrass encourages group activities and social play. Children are more likely to gather in circles, play games like tag, or simply sit together and chat. This social interaction is fundamental to developing communication skills and building friendships.
Practical Tips for Enhancing Outdoor Play
To maximize the benefits of an synthetic grass playground, consider the following practical tips:
1. Designate Play Zones
Divide the playground into different zones to encourage various types of play. For example:
– Active Play Zone: Use this area for running, jumping, and organized games like soccer or tag. The durability of synthetic grass makes it ideal for high-energy activities.
– Quiet Play Zone: Create a space with bean bags, outdoor cushions, and books for children who prefer quiet, contemplative activities. The soft surface is perfect for sitting or lying down to read or rest.
– Creative Play Zone: Set up a corner with art supplies, building blocks, and other materials that stimulate creativity. Children can safely sit and create without worrying about dirt or mud.
2. Incorporate PlayMounds
PlayMounds are a unique feature that can add an extra layer of fun to your synthetic grass playground. These mounds create varied terrain, which can be used for climbing, rolling, or imaginative play. They challenge children’s balance and coordination while providing a new dimension to their play environment. Encourage activities like:
- Climbing Challenges: Organize games that involve climbing up and over the mounds, promoting physical strength and agility.
- Rolling Races: Set up friendly competitions where children can roll down the mounds, enjoying the thrill of movement in a safe setting.
- Imaginative Scenarios: Use the mounds as elements in imaginative play, such as pretending they are hills, mountains, or dragon lairs.
- PlayMounds are also made with padding built in, making them safer and more inviting
3. Set Up Obstacle Courses
Obstacle courses are a fantastic way to utilize synthetic grass playgrounds. They provide a fun and challenging way for children to develop their physical abilities and problem-solving skills. Here’s how to create engaging obstacle courses:
- Cones and Markers: Use cones to create pathways and obstacles for children to navigate. These can be used for running, zigzagging, or jumping exercises.
- Tunnels and Hoops: Incorporate tunnels for crawling and hoops for jumping through. These elements add variety and excitement to the course.
- PlayMounds: By using PlayMounds as part of the obstacle course, children can climb over or around them, adding an extra level of difficulty and fun.
- Timed Challenges: Make it more competitive by timing children as they navigate the course. This encourages them to improve their speed and agility while having fun.
4. Organize Group Games
Group games are a great way to make use of the large, open space provided by synthetic grass. Here are some ideas of group games that promote teamwork, social skills, and physical activity in a fun and engaging way.
– Parachute Games: Use a parachute for group activities that promote teamwork and coordination.
– Relay Races: Organize relay races that involve running, hopping, and skipping, taking advantage of the safe, even surface of the turf.
– Circle Time Activities: Use the soft grass for circle time, where children can sit comfortably while participating in songs, stories, or discussions.
5. Encourage Barefoot Play
One of the delightful aspects of synthetic grass is its soft texture, which is perfect for barefoot play. Encouraging children to remove their shoes can enhance their sensory experience, allowing them to feel the grass beneath their feet. Barefoot play also helps improve balance and coordination, as children learn to adjust their movements without the support of shoes.
Conclusion
Artificial grass playgrounds offer a unique and enhanced play experience. It provides a safe, clean, and inviting playground where children can explore, learn, and play in ways that support their development and well-being. Embrace the magic of high performance synthetic grass and watch as your playground becomes a hub of joyful, active play.
For more information on transforming your playground with artificial grass, contact ForeverLawn today and discover how you can create a safer, cleaner, and more engaging outdoor play environment.
