Timing for outdoor play

[mlc1982]

I've gotten outside the past two days in the afternoon and it's actually worked well. I have done the basket idea and it seems a whole lot less hectic than it was before when I tried it. Now I don't have to try to be in two places at once (walking the kids to the door while watching the ones in the back.) I think it looks good too when we're outside although it's a whole lot warmer and there's more sun on us in the afternoon. We don't get out until around 4pm and pickups are between 4:30 and 5pm but it works. The kids love it and that makes me happy!

[Sandbox Sally]

We go outside twice a day - once from 10am til 11:30 (playground), and again from 3:30 to 4:30 (my back yard). My first pickup is at about 4:45, so sticking close to home works out really well for us in the afternoon.

[Sandbox Sally]

Oh! And regarding rainy summer days - we stay home, but don't stay inside! I put them in their swim suits and take out buckets and toys! I also like shaving cream in a rubbermaid bin on days like this. We get wet and messy and hose off before we go back inside. FUN.

[spudjt]

HI all! Newbie here...but thought I would join in. I like to go out from 830 am until 11 am or so and from 330 until 530 until pick up. In the mornings we go on an outing to various locations or in the winter I take that time to walk the others to school and shovel my driveway and laneway, get garbage out to the road etc while the kids engage in activities I have out for them (I have older kids so they are playing basketball, soccer, hockey, whoola hoops, balls, finding bugs lol or playing group games or just sitting and chilling. Side walk chalk, marble games etc are also popular. I stay out of the suns rays from 12-3 as they are the strongest during that time and it s the hottest time of day. We swim in the summers from 3 or so until about-4 and then get changed for home. I like being outside when parents come cuz then my kids are all engaged in activity and busy and within sight while I speak with parents to say good bye and review anything. It is also easier to say goodbye when outside -especially if im in a rush to close for whatever reason (dinner, sports) then I can bail on them and go inside or in my car and leave and its up to parent to gather child to go...especially if they decide they dont want to go yet ...or have a fit..whatever...I find its just easier if outside at pick up..and its easier outside in general with the resources of nature.

[clep]

We go outside from 10 am to 11:30 in the mornings only. We used to go outside in the afternoons, but the children would scream and yell when it was time to go home and it was hard on both parents and children. Also the children are very wet from water play and dirty. If the parent is taking them shopping right away, they have to take them to a store wet and dirty. The parents supply crocs and sun hats that stay in the children's cubbies. When they leave, they leave the shoes and hats on the landing. I have a deck box on my deck that contains a change of clothes, suntan lotions, towels and bug sprays, etc so I don't have to carry anything, just take the children outside.

[fruitloop]

We have outside time in the morning and afternoon. We head out after morning snack around 10 - 10:30 and come in around 11:30 - 11:45 to get ready for lunch. We head back out after the afternoon snack around 3:30 - 4 and stay outside until pick up. Kids get picked up anywhere between 4:15 - 5. I, like some of the pp, have a big sign that goes on my door letting parents know we're outside in the back and to come around. All the bags are outside with us so they grab their bag off the table and leave with their kid. I love outside pick-ups

[robertmartin]

Hi firned,
Good post you have shared here....
Children with a physical disability will often benefit from the wide range of physical activities. A child who finds walking difficult will be able to use the swings and slide, and may be motivated to try to walk more. A child with a visual problem will benefit from the wide range of multisensory experiences provided for young children.

Many activities will benefit those with a learning or developmental delay. For example, there are gross motor activities which SEN children often benefit from, but are more difficult to provide indoors. I have research a lot for my dissertation on outdoor play. Playtime is crucial for every kid. Children express themselves more naturally and spontaneously through outdoor activities. Their playtime can be made more amusing with the right outdoor play toys. The Outdoor Activity Toys for Excellent Play Value If you are looking for a toy that can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Have a good day