unrestricted play - boise play lab presentation

Unrestricted PlayWhat it is, why it’s important and how to support it.

We’re advocates of the difficult-to-measure

“Unrestricted play”“Unstructured play”

“Free play”“Self-directed play”“Open-ended play”

Who you are

Please interrupt

What is Unrestricted Play?

More resource-intensiveLess resource-intensive

Methods of facilitating unrestricted

play

Us!



play

Sudbury Valley SchoolUs!



play

Berkeley Marina Adventure Playground




play

Berkeley Marina Adventure Playground

Boise Play Lab (Mobile Adventure Playground)




play

Mobile Adventure Playground Walkthrough1. Gather resources2. Set up3. Observe and monitor4. Clean up

RopeStringYarnDuct tapeMasking tapePackaging tapePlastic tent stakes

Washable markersSidewalk chalkColored pencils / sharpener

Child scissorsCardboard cutterRubber mallet

Cardboard boxesCardboard tubesConstruction paperPacking paperTarpsFoam noodlesFoam piecesExercise foam rollersMilk cratesFabric swathsPop-up play tentsPVC pipeVacuum hosesHula hoopsCar tiresBike tiresBike inner tubesCostume hats / clothesWooden / metal bowlsGarden hosesCrutchesWheelchairsSkateboardsPlastic binsBubble wrap

SunscreenWater bottlesScissorsUtility knifeFirst aid kitKleenex

Completed craft projectsWooden structures

Pull tiesStyrofoam (peanuts or blocks)Most metal objects

Raw materials Binding materials

Markup materials

Child tools

Playworker resources

Deconstruct-ables

Materials to avoid

1. Gather resources

Idaho Youth Ranch Distribution Center

Theory of Loose Parts

“In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number

of kind of variables in it." - Simon Nicholson

2. Set upStore in an enclosed space

(to protect against weather and liability)

Pull stuff out and experiment with placement(Hint: Use a tarp)

3. Observe and monitor (i.e. Playwork)

Risk taking

Hazard vs. Risk

1. Heights2. Dangerous tools3. Dangerous elements4. Speed5. Rough-and-tumble6. Getting lost

When a child is taking a risk they’re not aware of, it’s a hazard.

Observations can inform curriculum and future activitiesMay be only time where children have near full discretion over their activity

4. Clean upPlanning for adult clean-up is more predictable, and results in less friction leading to the

next activity.

Incorporating unrestricted play in other environments1. Recess2. After school3. Art4. Engineering5. Programming

Discuss!

unrestricted play - boise play lab presentation

Education