Ideas for designing the kindergarten playground
For us, a good kindergarten playground is both a free space and a learning space that supports the pedagogical learning environment. When we design outdoor spaces for day care institutions, we ensure that the design supports: movement, learning, breaks, interaction between the children and interaction between children and adults. We think holistically about the design, so that it has functions for play, movement and joint activities.
As a playground manufacturer, we develop play equipment that support play, learning and social skills.
In the Nordic day care institution model, play is fundamental in the pedagogical learning environment, which is based on a child’s perspective.
A USER-ORIENTED DESIGN
When we create outdoor spaces for kindergartens, we always start with the users themselves and ensure that we can meet their wishes and needs.
We communicate closely with the customer (you), educators and management about what is required to design a good playground for your kindergarten.
What mood and setting do you associate with the kindergarten and what mood and setting do you want to create in the new outdoor space?
What activities and tools do you want in the playground, and how do activities in the outdoor space work in relation to the landscape, the amount of sun and shade, entrances and exits and to the daily routine in the institution?
OUR DESIGN FOCUS
- Landscape and aesthetic architecture.
How does the design fit into the surrounding landscape and the building?
- What activities does the kindergarten want?
- Division into zones for different types of activities.
- Equipment and functions to suit the needs of the age group.
- Multifunctional solutions that provide the best possible utilisation of small areas.
- Elements that encourage play and interaction.
- Elements that provide learning about nature and culture.
PLACE FOR CURIOSITY AND REFLECTION
Our designs aim to create open pockets in the decor. By that we mean that not all activities are provided in advance. There must be room for the children's immediate wonder and reflection.
The children's participation, imagination and their own desire to act must be cherished and given space in the design.
IDEAS FOR YOUR DESIGN
Your design should preferably include:
- Elements that encourage play, e.g something to hide in, under or behind.
- Things the children can play with or move around on.
- Play sculptures: These encourage observation, imagination and role play.
- Tools for digging, shaping or building.
- A sensory experience that can be used for interpretations and role play - walking in a small forest, finding things in nature.
- Areas and materiality where children can dig, feel the sand, arrange things or mix materials.
- You can create learning environments with tools that combine an activity with knowledge on how to use the tools.
For example:
Musical instruments provide a learning environment when playing. Sounds can be put together and turned into music.
Looking at small animals in wooden logs. Maybe through a magnifying glass. Children can observe and define the species imaginatively or realistically.
Germinating plants and putting them out in plant boxes, and later using them in cooking.
