ARTICLE
Thanks to the Nash-Rocky Mount Rotary Club Grant, we were able to provide new equipment for our Outdoor Learning Center. This new equipment will help contribute to the development of children in our programming. Below are descriptions of equipment along with some photos. Hank drum-- They produce resonant, bongy sounds that vibrate up and through a child's body. Bass Drum-- Striking the drum with different objects (nothing sharp, please!) and intensities will produce very different sounds, which makes this outdoor instrument very versatile. Musical Fence-- kids swipe their hands across all the tubes, the tubes swing into each other, thus setting off a series of resounding, random notes that sound just like a wind chime (but with much deeper sounds). Wood Xylophone-- help children understand that almost anything can make sounds, and that almost any sound can be heard as musical. If they want to "play" a tune, then they have to "discover" the right sounds that make that tune possible (all part of the discovery-oriented play and learning experience)! Stepping Stumps-- Children will learn balance and agility skills, learn how to handle their bodies to maintain equilibrium as they move from one to the other, and grow stronger as they roll and maneuver the stumps from place to place. They will also learn what tree rings are all about, practice math skills as they count those rings to determine the age of the tree when it was cut for them, observe how the stumps change over time, and watch tiny insects make the stump their own play and living area. Balance Edge-- This is a slightly different balance challenge, in that boards are on edge which makes balancing an extremely difficult challenge requiring full body engagement similar to the skill and judgment needed when walking on a tight rope. Wood Blocks-- Our Blocks encourage creativity and problem solving by allowing children to experiment with different shapes, structural integrity, gravity, balance, and geometry. Playing with our Blocks helps children develop social and emotional skills, because they learn how to share, problem solve together, discuss strategy for accomplishing goals, and discuss each others' solutions. And playing with our Blocks helps build strength in children's fingers and hands, improve their eye-hand coordination, and refine the fine and large motor skills required to manipulate the blocks. Tree Cookies-- fun, natural element for both imaginative free play and for learning. They can be stacked, used for creating paths or patios, rolled, or used as loose parts. Chalk Wall--2 natural chalk walls for the children to express their artistic side. Cedar Amish Playhouse-- Amish playhouse with an open design so children can enjoy all the benefits of fresh-air playtime yet remain protected from too much sun.