/
The Outdoor Classroom

The Outdoor Classroom

Sep 15, 2023

Use the tabs below to find the correct information for the outdoor classroom.

OLE!

OLE! (Outdoor Learning Environments) originated out of the Prevent Obesity by Design (POD) program through Natural Learning Initiative at NC State University. DHHS oversees OLE! Texas at the state level. 

 

Link to Spreadsheet

Daily

  • Sweep sidewalks

  • Check playground for trash

  • Move materials from shed to set up playground

At the end of every class' playground time

  • Loose parts and river rocks returned to their areas

  • Baskets restored

  • Huts swept (counters and floors)
  • If toys are too muddy (not mud hut materials), place them in "Washing Bin" and replace with cleaner similar objects from the shed storage crates

End of the day (afterschool team)

  • Store any large pieces in shed overnight, such as jumping board, basketball hoop, interlocking blocks, gutters, etc.

Weekly (on Fridays)

  • Straighten shed (check all shed storage crates)

    • Return misplaced items to proper crate or shed

      • Return toddler toys to toddler shed (paint mark on back)
      • Return preschool toys found in the toddler shed back to the preschool shed (no paint mark on back)
    • Remove all muddy materials
  • Sweep sheds (front shelves and floor)
  • Clean muddy toys
  • Choose and arrange materials on front shelves in sheds for the next week and photograph or draw schematic
  • Choose any extra materials (gross motor, dramatic play, etc)
  • Return loose parts to west side of the playground and organize aesthetically
  • Return/restore river rocks to "river", pine cones, acorns, and moss to baskets, if necessary
  • Straighten (sweep if necessary) the huts and platforms
  • Straighten observer stools
  • Water plants as needed

Basic Playground Expectations

Revised Fall 2022 (Copied from Google Doc on 1/26/23)

GENERAL:

    • Adults should be supervising areas where children are playing; if the children move, adults should move as well.

  • Please keep all materials in their designated areas -  loose parts, river rocks,  sand toys, hut dishes, small world items  etc. 

  • Please have children put herb hut materials (e.g., ball moss, pine cones, bur oak acorns) back into their respective baskets at the end of playground time.

  • The water spigots and hoses should be used only by adults for watering plants.

SAND:

  • Sand belongs only in the sand areas. It needs to stay out of potted plants, flower beds, huts, and grass.

  • Sand should be kept out of the river rock area as much as possible 

WATER PUMP:

  • Children can fill buckets and other containers provided in the sand area with water, but the pump should not be used to clean toys and hands

  • Water needs to be dumped only in the large sand area not carried to other parts of the outdoor space or dumped on the trike path

  • The water pump should be used for filling buckets rather than children just letting the water run or putting their bodies in the water

PLANTS:

  • Leaves and flowers on plants may be enjoyed with eyes, noses, or one finger only. The plant needs them, so they are not for picking without specific permission from an MT

  • Please keep feet and bodies off of plants. It is not safe for children to hang or swing from tree branches.

  • Materials that are not safe for plants and animals may only be used indoors (e.g., colored rice).

TRIKE PATH:

  • Please keep riding toys on the trike path 

  • Make sure that children travel in the same direction.

  • Wagons may only be pulled. Please do not let children push them from behind.

RUNNING/CLIMBING/SLIDING:

  • Sticks and toys need to be put down if children are going to run around the playground, climb the hills, or go down a slide.

  • Please designate a location for children to sit and drink from their water bottles. Water bottles should not be carried around the playground or held in mouths while children are walking/running. 

  • Please keep children from climbing on/over the railings of the play huts; they are higher than 18 inches, and we don’t have safe fall zones around them.

  • Children may climb on the tree trunk pieces and inverted cedar branches between the herb hut and the big hill.

  • Children should go down the slide only.

  • Please be sure that there is always a 6” cushion of mulch at the bottom of the slide. Transfer mulch from other areas as needed.