IMPACT FUND 2019: SUPER PLAYGROUNDS!

Why Playgrounds? In a time of digital devices, it can be easy to forget the important role play has in a child’s overall development. While play appears simple, challenging children to acquire skills in a variety of developmental areas including social awareness, emotional thinking, language and physical development is actually quite complex. Playgrounds that are designed to provide children with a variety of open-ended experiences support their ability to collaborate, compromise, develop rules, control and regulate body movements and build both verbal and non-verbal skills.   Playgrounds today should provide ample opportunities for gross motor development through climbing structures. Children’s math and visual spatial skills can be developed through building materials. Children’s eye-hand coordination can be developed through the riding of tricycles.  Children’s understanding of scientific concepts can be developed through the exploration of materials such as magnet ball runs. Children can learn to try on societal rules and norms through socio-dramatic play in a playhouse. When children have a variety of materials to choose from for their play, the play can become rich, engaging, and creative. We are fortunate at CHS to have a beautiful outdoor space in which children can explore the natural environment. During recess periods, our students build forts, play games, and laugh with their friends. But we know we can enhance the outdoor space to maximize students’ experiences. And that’s where our generous community comes in.

How Can We Help? We are asking the CHS community to BE SUPERHEROES FOR OUR PLAYGROUNDS with this year’s Impact Fund. During the Spring Fling, we will have the opportunity to invest in our school’s present and future by donating funds toward new playground equipment. This fall, CHS engaged a consultant to help us envision playground spaces that reflect best practices in the field and our particular needs. The result was a comprehensive report that was shared with our staff, and we are now in the process of drafting a comprehensive plan for a new and improved playground. On the following pages are items we have identified as priorities in our outdoor learning spaces.

THANK YOU for your support of The Chestnut Hill School! Living our mission of academic excellence, community, and diversity is achieved only through our shared efforts.