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The
school believes that outdoor activities are an important
part of a child’s healthy development. The
children at NSNS venture outside every day in almost
any kind of weather to take full advantage of the
rich learning opportunities provided by the changing
seasons and weather of New England. In addition
to the play structures, child-sized tools are available
so children can choose to rake leaves, dig for worms,
make mud pies, plant flowers, shovel snow and even
sled in the winter. |
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Unveiled
this August, our redesigned playground
builds on the school’s existing
woodland play area, and adds new organic
elements to
spur imaginative play, sensory discovery
and developmentally-appropriate physical
accomplishments.
The playground was designed to offer
children activity-inspiring elements
that lend themselves to various types
of play.
The thoughtful layout offers high-activity
structures and spaces, social play areas
and quiet spots for more passive play.
Specifically, the
playground features the following elements:
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 A
free-form maze of soft rubber
tubes, suggests a jungle setting
or spider web. The various heights
and spacing allow children to
climb to a level comfortable for
them as they build upper body
strength and develop balance and
coordination.
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 A
climbing structure sized for toddlers
two to three years of age. It
offers toddlers exploration and
pride of mastery as they practice
their gross motor accomplishments.
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 A
great climbing structure that
allows children to view the entire
playground once they reach the
top. A quick ride down in the
tunnel slide is a thrill for all
of the children.
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 Swinging
on the monkey bars is a fun way
to build upper body strength.
The children love to demonstrate
their prowess as their ability
advances.
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A
twig-built shelter at one end
of the large sand space that suggests
a beaver dam or wigwam. It offers
a sense of enclosure that children
love to seek out, and inspires
many group dramatic play themes.
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A
part of the generously-sized sandbox,
this “counter” suggests
a lemonade or ice cream stand.
It encourages socialization as
one group of children “cook”
or “make” something
for their peers.
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Meandering
throughout the playground is a
paved loop that allows two-way
traffic of wagons, tricycles,
scooters and pedal cars. A car
wash and gas pump allow the children
to act out everyday activities
of
caring for their vehicles, while
encouraging socialization.
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A
reminder of the seaside area we
live in, the boat is a favorite
dramatic play element where children
may enact many sea-faring adventures.
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Our picket fence-framed garden
is where the children tend a variety
of perennials, sunflowers and
the occasional vegetable. It is
also an excellent place to dig,
explore, and hunt for insects
and worms.
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What
child doesn’t like playing
with water? Our old fashioned
water pump allows children to
pump their own H20 for watering
the flowers, mixing up playground
soup or other wet adventures.
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