The Role of Educators During Outdoor Play
THE ROLE OF EDUCATOR DURING OUTDOOR PLAY
The role of a TOPP KIDS educator during Outdoor Play is the same as during any play time. Outdoor play time is not to be seen as a type of “recess” where the educators only role is to supervise the children’s play to ensure that everyone stays safe, but a time to PLAY WITH PURPOSE!
A TOPP KIDS educator must also be a facilitator of play, an assistant to the play and a play-partner. As with all components of the program, the educator sets the tone for the types of interactions that occur among the children and with the environment. If the educator has a positive attitude about outdoor play, then the children’s interactions with each other and with the environment will be positive and constructive. If the adult does not enjoy outdoor time, the time spent outside will not be as valuable. It is important for TOPP KIDS educators to examine their own feelings about outdoor play and do whatever they can to make the experience a positive one.
Dressing comfortably and appropriately, being actively involved, and designing the space in such a way that it is attractive for adults as well as children, are ways that positive feelings for outdoor play can be encouraged.
Outside play time is an ideal time to provide planned activities based on science and nature, art, gross motor development, music and movement and even whole group times (ie: Community Unity)
DURING OUTSIDE PLAY TIME THE EDUCATORS WILL:
- Assist children in their play by supplying the materials they need
- Interact with the children by being a play partner when appropriate, expanding and extending the play as necessary
- Look for ‘teachable moments’
- Observe children’s play, noting their interests, their questions and their discoveries. Use these observations as the basis for planning outdoor play experiences
- Guide children’s behaviour by allowing them the opportunity to solve their own problems and resolve their own conflicts but stepping in when it appears that they need help. Any intervention must be done in a helpful and matter of fact manner