Last week, when the gym was occupied by the Grade School Fair, we ventured outside to the courtyard. This is a space that we hope to use regularly, as much as the weather and our schedule allow. So, we found this a good opportunity to introduce the idea of playing outside together to the group.

Kids had been bringing in leaves, and noticing the leaves falling, so we walked outside the day before for a quick pre-visit. Any change in routine goes better with a little prep and some explanations, so first we talked about it at group time. Our stated aim was to investigate which types of leaves were falling into the courtyard, but teachers also wanted to give children a look at the space and plant the idea that sometimes we could go outside together. We found the kids were surprised, at first, by the prospect, with a few even apprehensive about this unknown. We spent only a few minutes outside that first day, on our way to the gym, and at the end of the day we wrote “out” on our calendar, to show we’d gone out. Some kids then talked about what they had seen or done, and we solidified the idea that we would go outside again soon.

Investigating the leaves in our courtyard.

The next day at group time, we told kids that the gym was being used for a meeting, so we would have the chance to play outside. We covered the gym picture on the schedule with the word “out.” This time there was little apprehension, and most were excited by the prospect, With leaves dripping from the trees and the sun barely peeking through to warm up the brisk day, it was a lovely Autumnal introduction to playing in our outdoor space. Even those who had been unsure were invigorated by the experience.

How about a fort, a tablecloth or some peek-a-boo costumes?

Imaginative play around the treehouse, with colorful rocks and people figures, in the midst of the growing grass, pineapple basil, marigolds, and groundcovers