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Lesson Plans

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Playgrounds for the Imagination

Playgrounds for the Imagination

How exciting would it be to design an innovative playground? Children will learn about building and planning a fun and safe play area and then create a model of their own.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    Have children talk about what they enjoy at a playground. Ask them to note some of the safety features as well. For example, is there special playground mulch or bouncy surface flooring in and around the equipment? Are there safety features and guardrails on climbing apparatus? How could a playground inspire imaginations while encouraging exercise? Then have children think about an ideal playground they'd like to design. 

  • Step 2

    Have children work in pairs to brainstorm and create a model playground. Ask them to think of at least two pieces of equipment to include and also to decide if it will have a theme. Then have them cut or tear paper to design the features. They can decorate the paper using construction paper crayons. Encourage them to think about safety as they create this fun space.

  • Step 3

    Ask each pair to present their playground model to the class and talk about the features they included and why.

Standards

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.  

SEL: Responsible Decision-Making: Consider ethical standards and safety concerns and evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being. 

Adaptations

Substitute or add modeling clay or dough to create other three- dimensional forms in this project. This will allow students to have an additional sculpting experience.

PBS Kids Design Squad has wonderful resources including links that describe how to build a cardboard playground. Allow students to work collaboratively to create a playground using found materials including cardboard, tape and other similar objects. Building to scale is a challenging design problem that requires teamwork and communication skills beyond problem solving skills in design and math.