Natural Playscapes

Natural Playscapes will inspire you to create extraordinary outdoor places for young children without highly complex play contraptions surrounded by a sea of wood chips or gravel... Places for children that tickle the imagination and surprise the senses...Places for young ones of all abilities to discover themselves and the world around them... Natural places where the entire space is filled with art, hills, pathways, trees, herbs, open areas, sand, water, music, and more... Where children find places to run, climb, dig, pretend, and hide, with opportunities to bellow or be silent.

The book is divided into two parts: a visual tour of natural playscapes and philosophy, and the second half which is about helping you to create natural playscapes including a workbook, helpful hints, five do-it - yourself playscape projects, and question and answers. This magnificent 316 page resource contains close to 500 colour photographs and illustrations.

Contents

Part 1
Introduction - Hello to the Natural Playscape Movement
Remember - Revisiting our own childhood environment
Senses - How children discover the world
Children in Nature - A look at two nature-based preschools
Ingredients - The basic elements of Natural Playscapes
Design - Natural Playscape concepts
Built Playscapes - Playscapes built and enjoyed
Community Builds - The Community-Built Construction Process
Local Resources: People and Materials - Using local resources
Local Resources: Cultural Context - Community-Builds in China
With Children - Helping children dream and design the playscape

Part 2
Workbook - Brainstorming and Assessing
Your Environment, Natural Resources, Portfolio of Places, People Resources, Maintenance, Playscape Dreams
Dream and Draw your Playscape
Current playscape features, Draw your dream playscape

Resources
Index