In the SPRING of last year we got to reap the benefit of our hard work the previous nine months and frolic on grass so green under lilacs so purple. The kids found so many interesting and unexpected ways to use the willows and the gardens. Flower hunts were a daily activity, to see what was growing and which ones smelled the best. Mint from the herb garden was gathered along with lemon balm and lavendar for sun tea or just for smelling.
We successfully disturbed the rest of many a bug under many a rock.
The garden roared full tilt into production, and kids took an immediate liking to strawberry hill.
SUMMERTIME had us all trying to keep cool with lots of water play and shady spots. Lucky for us, our backyard is shaded a lot of the time during the summer months!
When fall came, the newest addition to the playground was finally complete and ready to be explored. 
The boulders and logs have by far been one of the kids favorite additions.......they make great climbing objects!! |
| They are also used for contemplation, |
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| Gaining a new perspective, |
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| General gathering and conspiring, |
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| Obstacle courses, |
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| Taking turns getting off your stump and letting someone else have a turn, |
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| Sharing a favorite spot with a friend, |
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| Or just a comfy place to sit. |
Yes, fall was good to us. WINTER on the other hand was at times challenging given our unusual and sometimes crazy weather. But we found lots of fun still to be had out in the playscape.
The willow hut, it turns out, makes an excellent place to run through and through in an endless game of chase. All you need is a buddy!
The art area is fully operational, no matter the weather!
We kept the sensory tables up and running all winter with leaves, sticks, rocks and various stirring/measuring devices. Elm Tree kids enjoyed carrying materials back and forth from sandbox, pea gravel and sensory tables (or wherever they got tired of carrying it).
It never fails to impress me how quickly and dramatically I have seen the playscape affect the WAY the children play.
There is more social and interactive play, the children seem more interested in being outside than anywhere else and engage in play and discovery the whole time.
The direct interaction with natural materials, usually in a meaningful and joyful manner, has literally skyrocketed.
Children seem to not only be connecting with nature more as a result of playing in a natural environment, they seem happier and better overall for it.
Now if that doesn't sell you on the idea, I don't know what will!
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