60-day returns • free shipping on USA orders $129+
Backyard question.
- This topic has 11 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 9 months ago by
.
Viewing 12 posts - 1 through 12 (of 12 total)
- Posts
What do you have in your backyard? We are trying to figure out what we should do with our backyard. We have dedicated a good portion to growing our own food and we are blessed to be backed up to a very nice wooded area with deer, coyotes, birds galore, squirrels, rabbits, rats, mice, chipmunks, raccoons etc. and a hiking trail right there that are great for nature study, but are considering a play set for our girls (4 & 5). We have a child that has Sensory Integration Disorder (sensory seeker) and our other child has trauma issues that prevents us from going to public parks to play on their equipment. We are still very new to CM and want to provide a CM environment for our children, but we’re not sure if a play set (swings, climbing wall, slide, lookout tower) is something that is good/fitting for CM approach.
We have a huge garden, a swing set, a tempoline, a small pool, and flower beds, bird feeders, etc… I do not think that having a set-up like you describe would not be considered CM. It would encourage muscle building, coordination, etc. You are setting your environment to meet the needs of your children – which is also part of teach the child, not the curriculum – so go for it. Our dc have used the yard equipment to make up hundreds of games and plays that they make up and act out, that I do not feel that it has “held them back” – I think having those helped to keep them out there and got them to stay. They still notice nature, etc… it allows them to want to be outside to then make their own connections to the outdoors in an easy unforced “Nature Study” way.
In my CM school in the UK, we had all the normal school play equipment, a garden to plant in,and a sandpit. Sports were highly encouraged, I think you would be perfect doing what you are suggesting….CM schools and teachers were keen on fitness and play. Children need these things and it keeps them occupied in wholesome things…
I don’t see why it wouldn’t be CM to have such a set-up, either. We have a large play set with swings, slide, climbing wall, monkey bars, etc. We also have a trampoline and set up a four foot deep pool in the summer. Our older son has been working with dad to build a tree fort just a short piece over the bank. There is also still plenty of room for setting up the soccer nets or playing ball hockey or basket ball in the drive way (man, if we move to the city I’m going to miss all this!) Even though our oldest is nearly 12, he and his friends still use the play set a lot — it makes a great fort or base when playing capture the flag or one of their other adventure play acting games. I agree that it helps them to stay outside and be active longer, and that allows them to notice nature things more than they otherwise would.
I, too have a sensory-seeking child. We have most of our backyard for growing food-raised beds, blueberries, grapes and pears. Also, a chicken coop and chickens with an extra run, which also provide sensory stimulation and entertainment.
We have a swing set, but in disrepair; however, she still enjoys swinging on the one swing that’s left. As soon as I can, I’ll put a bar for her to hang upside down. We have trees for climbing and when she was younger, a sandbox. She’s my weeder and my bug collector, since she loves messing with dirt and bugs, so there’s a CM. She likes to have her own worm-bins, too.
We also have bird feeders in the front and back and bird houses.
We don’t really hhave a separate nature study time, as with all the things to do out there involving chickens and raising food, we see things and observe them. The only thing we really set aside time for is at night for night watching.
I am so happy to read all your responses. I want to thank each and everyone of you for your input. I have already ordered the set and it should be here in the next three weeks. Everytime we pass a playground the girls ask to stop and play. So why not bring the playground to them! I really think the girls will love playing on it and keep them outside more. They both love the outdoors, but all they seem to do is dig up the backyard or play in the bird seed.
They have also said they want a veggie garden of there own so we are going to buid them a square foot garden close to the play set. They get to choose what goes in it, plant it and care for it. Everyone wins… the sensory seeker gets more input, the one that has to have a safe haven gets that plus something to help her gain more confidence and boldness and mom and dad don’t have to feel guilty about saying ‘not this time’ when we pass them. Thanks again! I love this group on moms. What a help you all are! ~AprilApril, that all sounds wonderful….let them grow some of the giant sunflowers and then watch the birds come to feed on the seeds, we do that each year, even though we are all grown up, lol. It is a joy to see the giant sunny faces feeding our feathered friends. Also red and green peppers are easy to grow in most places, and are almost pest free- those are really fun to grow along with Zinnias which are just wonderful annual flowers for filling a space, colorful, lots of varieties and super easy to grow, they will attract butterflys. I think your children are in for a lot of fun…..
If you have the space, plant the sunflowers in a big circle. Then while they are growing the kids can have a natural fort. Very fun. =)
Since we’re on the topic of backyards and dirt, I was wondering what tips you might have for keeping most of the dirt outside the house and avoiding having too many changes of clothing during the day….we don’t have a ‘mudroom’ (just a side door, three steps, and you’re in the kitchen).
Can you tell me more about Sensory Integration Disorder? I guess I could Google it but sometimes a Mom’s voice is more of an explanation!
Well, I’m just asking because, you know, you can eat off my kitchen floor!
That’s right, there’s some stray blueberries under the table, the green beans that just ‘fell’ off my son’s fork, a small blob of yesterday’s mashed potatoes, oh–and a tiny puddle of honey over in the corner (or whatever that is the ants are attacking)….LOL!
They have also said they want a veggie garden of there own so we are going to buid them a square foot garden close to the play set. They get to choose what goes in it, plant it and care for it. Everyone wins… the sensory seeker gets more input, the one that has to have a safe haven gets that plus something to help her gain more confidence and boldness and mom and dad don’t have to feel guilty about saying ‘not this time’ when we pass them. Thanks again! I love this group on moms. What a help you all are! ~April
Viewing 12 posts - 1 through 12 (of 12 total)
- The topic ‘Backyard question.’ is closed to new replies.