Your playground may not be perfect, but you can make adjustments so it works for the children in your care. Watch the video, Making the Most of Your Space Activity, about a program that has limited outdoor play space. What would you suggest for this teacher? When finished, discuss your ideas with your trainer, coach, or administrator.

1. What are the problems the teacher has with the play space?
    

   The space has no shade and very few materials. There is only one climbing structure in the center. The children can run around the perimeter of the space, but there is not a variety of surfaces (no grass, dirt, or other natural materials).
2. What could the teacher do to make the space work for her group?
    

   The teacher could try to create some classroom experiences outdoors. It would be easy to bring dramatic play props outside. The teacher could also create an outdoor activity bin to bring out with her class. For example, she could include magnifying glasses, clipboards, pencils and insect books so children could go on bug hunts. She could bring out art supplies and set up an easel outdoors. The program could decide to bring one of the sand and water tables outdoors. The program could purchase a few riding toys and teach the children to ride them along the perimeter. For shade, the program could look into options for awnings on other structures.
3. Do you have any issues with your play space?
    
4. Would any of your ideas work for your space?