Action Reseach Plan

I will begin by asking the question: “What is the best way to design/layout the playground/outdoor classroom so that it will be safe and useful for both students and teachers?

The project will be done on my campus, Early Childhood Campus. It will take up the back portion of our existing playground and will be fenced off for designated use. It will also be fenced off so that students will not get into the area during regular recess time. My target population will be that of students (ages 4-7) and teachers. They will be the ones using the outdoor classroom for outdoor projects chosen by the teachers.

I will do online and literature research along with taking suggestions from ESC staff that have done this sort of setup before, to investigate different ways to best set up the playground/outdoor classroom equipment. I need to take into consideration:

Ø  Does our site have any space constraints or unique features?

Ø  Will we need to do any preparation to the site?

o   Tree removal

o   Leveling

o   Drainage problems

o   Flagging of underground pipes or wires

Ø  Where is the best sunlight for our vegetation boxes to be set?

Ø  The ages of the children will be between 4-6 years of age.

Ø  The safety of these small children is uppermost in my mind. So I will be checking the equipment for any flaws and asking maintenance to put “Thompson Water Sealant” on the equipment so it does not splinter.

Ø  How many children will be on the playground at one time?

Ø  Are there children with special needs that we need to consider?

Ø  What is the specific design or look we want to achieve?

Ø  Are there many lesson plans out there for the continued use of this playground/outdoor classroom?

Ø  What other types of activities do we want to incorporate into our outdoor classroom?

Ø  Who will help us install the equipment? How will we make sure the equipment is preserved so it lasts for many years to come?

Ø  Will our Site Base Committee want to help with the construction or with feeding those people who are helping with the construction/installation?

Ø  Do we need any more pieces or equipment to make the playground/outdoor classroom better? What kind of manipulates will we need for our students and teachers to use in their projects?

There questions and possibly more questions that develop as we move along, will be collaboratively answered by Karen Rehders, Head Start Coordinator, Roxie Miles, Head Start Teacher, ESC Staff, Site Base Committee, my Principal, our Maintenance Staff, our Superintendent (if necessary), and myself. I want this playground/outdoor classroom to be as productive as possible and not just sit out there not being used. I would like to create or find already created lesson plans for our teachers to choose from and to incorporate into their curriculum.