What are some ways you encourage children’s play that nurtures their health, well-being, and creative expression?
In this edition of Ask HELLO, we share excerpts from recent discussions on HELLO (NAEYC’s members-only online forum) that focus on how teachers can support children’s health and well-being through play.
—EYC Editorial Team
Bring lots of loose parts into your outdoor play space. For example, we got milk crates from a local business that was going to throw them away. You can also use sleds. We don't even have hills, but the kids just pulled each other, taking turns. Through this big body play, they develop muscles and core strength. You can use buckets and shovels year-round (with snow or sand or mulch). Try offering fabric pieces to use as capes or to cover spaces to make forts. Children can also use tree stumps to sit on or jump or step from one to another.
CASSANDRA, MARYLAND
Children love moving dirt and other natural materials. Offer sticks, child-size shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, wagons, and dump truck toys. Children can use shovels to dig holes then fill them in. They can use rakes to pile up leaves, pine needles, acorns, or other loose materials. If desired, they can fill a wagon, wheelbarrow, or dump truck and move it to another area. Children can use sticks to dig stones out of the ground. Children learn about using the stick as a digging tool but also as a lever to pop the stones out. Shoveling, raking, and digging require balance, muscle strength, and bilateral coordination. You can integrate dramatic play with this!
CARRIE, TEXAS
We filled up our water table with bubble solution. We added different sizes of wands—even a large wand. The children loved to be able to blow, move their wands in different directions, and try the large wand. We asked the children to take turns and tell each other what size of bubble they were going to blow.
DIANA, CALIFORNIA
I love to take a variety of painting tools outside and invite children to paint with water. You can use paintbrushes, rollers, sponges, stamps, mops, or plungers. Then you are able to watch the water evaporate. Encourage children to practice fine motor skills by asking questions like “Can you make straight lines? Zigzags? Circles? Dots? Letters?” It's a fun way to encourage learning and exploration outside!
CHANDA, ARIZONA
My overall favorite activity to do with the children without any materials is old-fashioned tag. Hearing all the laughter that goes on is what makes me love tag so much.
JOSHUA, TEXAS
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