It has been an exciting week at Neighborhood House! Thanks to 4-C, Metro United Way and General Electric, we are able to provide a new natural playground to the young learners in our Child Development Center (CDC).
We are working hard on the finishing touches - complete with a mud kitchen, music area, bike path and water tables - and we can’t wait to share it with the 70+ children we serve in our CDC every day.
Why a Natural Playground?
Our CDC curriculum is based on the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, which promotes a deep respect for children as capable, intelligent and with an inner drive to discover new things. We use materials that are interesting to look at and touch, allowing the child to hold, move, and explore. Learning through play ignites curiosity and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Research shows that children who play regularly in natural settings are sick less often, are more resistant to stress and have a higher measure of self-worth. They play in more imaginative, creative ways and show improved language and collaboration skills. Access to natural playgrounds develops a child’s ability to recognize, assess and negotiate risk while building confidence.
Come See
Save the date for our Playground Party the afternoon of Oct. 13th! We’ll be sharing more about this with you very soon. We hope you’ll come play with us on Oct. 13th!
