“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves”
Sir Edmund Hilary

Here at Playgarden we are big fans of slopes and uneven ground. A steep incline can be something to embrace in your outdoor environment and in fact can be enhanced further with many playful features.

Understanding the developmental needs of children, particularly their inherent curiosity and desire for exploration, is fundamental in designing effective early childhood environments. Children love to be high up and explore gravity and movement in the vertical dimension. Recognizing the need for vertical movement in fostering physical development, it is important to harness the space and three-dimensional nature of outdoor spaces.

                     

Diversifying options for ascending and descending, such as modifying slides or incorporating steps and slopes with securely attached pull-up ropes, provides children with a range of choices for exploration. This array of experiences not only caters to varied preferences but also facilitates valuable comparisons and contrasts, enriching the learning process.

Moreover, reshaping the terrain by introducing dips, mounds, or even constructing a ‘mountain’ of loose soil can transform flat surfaces into dynamic landscapes, fostering imaginative play and sensory experiences. Incorporating such intentional design elements not only promotes physical engagement but also nurtures cognitive and social-emotional development. Changes in elevation help make a child’s journey through a space far more interesting and they can make a small space seem bigger.

In her book Playing and Learning Outdoors, Jan White notes that different levels ‘are wonderful for meeting children’s strong interest in going up and down and their love of being high up’.

However, we understand that practitioners may have concerns about safety, particularly regarding slopes and uneven terrain. It’s important to acknowledge that while there is an inherent element of risk in play, statistically, play environments are very safe. Just as children learn to ride bikes despite the risk of falls, they also benefit from navigating varied landscapes and making their own decisions about risk-taking.

At Playgarden, we believe in empowering children to assess and manage risks within their capabilities. By providing opportunities for exploration on slopes, boulders, cobbles, and pebbles, we encourage children to develop resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Through such experiences, they learn to gauge their own comfort levels and challenge themselves in a supportive environment.

Ultimately, our goal is to create outdoor spaces where children can engage in active, adventurous play while feeling supported and empowered to make their own decisions. Let’s continue to prioritize playfulness and exploration while fostering a culture of safety, independence, and growth for all children.