Laserfiche WebLink
turf space here. If a larger space is desired, plantings in adjacent areas could be moved back <br />and/or a few pieces of the Climbing and Crawling platforms could be reduced. <br />Climbing and Crawling <br />A series of five-foot platforms built within the reach of existing conifers allow children to <br />experience the feeling of a tree house with individual or combined "rooms". Platforms range <br />from 6 inches to a maximum of 18 inches in height. Heights for the platforms should be kept <br />low enough that no fall-zone surfacing is needed. Access to the area is provided by steps on the <br />north side and a ramp on the west side: Vertical posts and horizontal railings around the <br />perimeter further define the space and provide anchor points for fabric. (See page 18 in the <br />Sourcebook for building plans for the platforms and photos of railings.) As children drape and <br />tie fabric throughout this area they are able to alter the function and aesthetic of the space at a <br />moment's notice - a valuable visual-spatial activity. The. color and movement of the fabric can <br />also lend to a level of "curb appeal" for passersby who will be seeing the space by vehicle or on <br />foot. <br />Messy Materials <br />A well-designed Messy Materials area encourages children to use their imaginations, experiment <br />with a variety of natural objects, practice carrying heavy objects, and feel a sense of personal <br />mastery over their environment. The higher activity level of this area is compatible with <br />Climbing and Crawling and can be accessed by the north maintenance gate. The area is defined. <br />around the perimeter by sections of natural logs approximately 6-8 feet in length. Surfacing is <br />mulch or wood chips, 12-18 inches deep. A "log of interest" can serve as a visual focal point, be <br />used as a balance beam, and provides a foundation or starter piece for larger building. This area <br />.should also include sections of tree cuttings ("tree cookies"), stumps, limbs and branches for <br />children to manipulate. (See pages 4, 12 and 13 in the Learning with Nature Idea Book and page <br />21 in the Sourcebook for ideas.) Shared storage is located on the north side of the area, adjacent <br />to the entrance. <br />Building Area <br />Building with blocks allows children to develop mathematical and engineering skills as they <br />translate a mental image into three-dimensional structures. Tree cookie flooring (see page 21 in <br />the Sourcebook) in the Building Area provides an inviting and functional surface and can be <br />installed with local materials and volunteer labor. (See the Sourcebook section of the website at <br />www.arborday.org for detailed installation instructions.) Cedar cuttings work well, but need to <br />be dried for several months for optimal longevity -around 5-10 years. If tree cookies can be <br />gathered yet this fall, they could be dried over the winter and would be ready for spring <br />installation. Both organic "tree blocks" and geometric unit blocks should be available to <br />children for building. Two small discovery tables are provided for children who prefer to build <br />on a raised surface or who need to access building materials from a wheelchair or other adaptive <br />equipment. A storage unit within the Building Area allows materials to be readily available and <br />provides a visual cue for returning blocks to the correct storage cube. (See pages 20 and 21 in <br />the Sourcebook for examples.) This area is bounded by low plantings. <br />2 <br /> <br />