Outside Play and Safety

O	OPPORTUNITY to explore nature.  Children need a chance to touch and experience the world.
U	YOU are important as to how a child experiences nature.  Get down on their level and see things from their point of view.
T	TAKE a risk.  Outdoor playgrounds give children a chance to test new skills, such as, climbing, jumping balance and coordination.
S	SAFETY  - Watch for hazards such as heat, broken equipment, biting insects, sunburn, hot metal surfaces, poisonous plants, and deep water (pools, lakes, creeks, rivers)
I	INDOOR EXPERIENCES such as reading books, eating snacks, painting, art, building blocks, and music can all be taken outside for a new, fun, experience for children.
D	DON’T leave children unsupervised or in the care of other children.
E	EXTEND children’s learning by talking about and sharing books about the things they experience outside.  Stars, trees, bugs, animal, flowers and weather all interest children.

Adult Resources

• Hug A Tree
  by Rockwell, Sherman and Williams
• The Outside Play and Learning Book
  by Karen Miller
• National Program for Playground Safety - 1 (800) 554-PLAY
  www.line.edu/playground

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