The more children play outside, the more ideas they will get to create increasingly complex play schemes both by themselves and with other children. In the beginning, they may need some inspiration to get started. Children that are new to playing outdoors may view a stick as simply a stick. A rock will remain a rock. And a puddle is something to walk around. The child may not relate these objects to play scenarios and may even completely avoid these at first. The environment remains “uninspiring.”
However, with practice and the right environment, children will gain more ideas of all the different ways we can use an object. Let’s take the stick as an example. Maybe the child is sitting by a pile of sticks and picks one up. He starts digging in the dirt with the stick. He realises the stick can act as a tool in which to dig with.
A week later, that same child sees another child using sticks to build a fort. He now realises that sticks can be used in constructing larger objects. Later that same day, he has a friend come over who asks if he wants to “go fishing”. The child suggests using rope and a stick. The more the child plays outdoors with other children and experiments with sticks, the more creative she’ll become.
Some children need additional inspiration. Let’s take the stick, rock, and puddle concept I originally proposed as “uninspiring” to some children. Try piling up a bunch of sticks near a big mud puddle. Do the same with some rocks. Then put some baskets out near the puddle as well. Tell the child, “You can play with anything you see here.” Now step back and watch children from a short distance away to see what they come up with on their own.
Next time you go to the puddle offer some similar objects and maybe one new thing, like real pots and pans to add to their play repertoire. Consider even inviting a friend over and watch them inspire each other near the mud puddle. Be sure to allow for at least an hour of outdoor play in this area. It takes time before children really start getting creative.
Soon your children will be developing more complex play skills without the need for adult assistance. Try to place yourself in your child’s shoes. Does your local park have a stream or a creek the children can explore and play in? Maybe there’s a fallen tree that could inspire climbing and playing off of the ground. Do you have a sand pit nearby? Maybe there is a patch of woods near you. Bring baskets with you, old curtains, kitchenware, and other objects that the children may like to experiment with in nature. All it takes is a little green space, a bit of creativity, and the willingness to step back and allow children to play the way nature intended.
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