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Carol Murdoch discusses the different types of playgrounds and their suitability for outdoor learning. She explores the advantages and challenges of woodland, concrete, and open-plan classrooms. Carol emphasises the benefits of outdoor spaces for focus, regulation, and test results. She also highlights the accessibility and convenience of concrete playgrounds, as well as their potential for real-world learning. Carol discusses the importance of discovering nature in concrete environments and the opportunities for problem-solving.
Takeaways
- Playgrounds can vary in size and features, but all can be used for outdoor learning.
- Concrete playgrounds offer accessibility and convenience, while woodland playgrounds provide opportunities for exploration and science learning.
- Outdoor spaces, even in urban environments, have positive impacts on focus, mental well-being, and test results.
- Concrete playgrounds can be transformed into learning spaces through problem-solving activities and the use of loose parts.
- Storage and tidiness of outdoor resources can be managed by involving students and setting clear expectations.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Playground Variations
01:01 Advantages and Challenges of Woodland Playgrounds
03:07 The Impact of Open Plan Classrooms on Learning
03:56 The Benefits of Outdoor Spaces for Focus and Regulation
06:08 The Impact of Nature on Test Results
08:37 The Dominance of Concrete Playgrounds in Scotland
09:23 The Accessibility and Convenience of Concrete Playgrounds
10:33 Concrete Playgrounds as Real-World Learning Spaces
13:27 Discovering Nature in Concrete Playgrounds
15:12 Problem Solving in Concrete Environments
16:01 The Health and Well-being Benefits of Outdoor Time
18:52 Outdoor Activities in Concrete Playgrounds
25:52 Introducing Loose Parts to Concrete Playgrounds
31:30 Storage and Tidiness of Outdoor Resources
33:26 Conclusion and Call for Questions
Thank you for listening. Here are the show links:
From Others
- Tyres In School Grounds – from Creative Star
- ‘Into the Forest: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness’ by Dr Qing Li – book
- Opal studies, Imperial College London – info
From Us
“A weed is just a flower growing in the wrong place” – Perfect by Cecelia Ahern