Seasons of Play: Natural Environments of Wonder

by Rusty Keeler

Overview

Recent research has drawn the link between children’s brain development and time spent in the natural environment. Every child deserves a safe play to play, supportive adults to watch him grow, and an environment that offers her endless possibilities. In Seasons of Play, Rusty Keeler takes readers on a photographic journey through real child care centers that have embraced his philosophy that natural play environments create new opportunities for children to explore and grow.

Seasons of Play promotes play among natural elements. Using the author’s own photos, the book illustrates how to design natural play environments that encourage exploration and creativity in all seasons of the year. Keeler’s own drawings complement the photos with renderings of how the play spaces were designed. Interviews with center directors add a personal touch to how the spaces improve learning at the centers. 

Seasons of Play has won the Creative Child Magazine, 2017 Preferred Choice Award.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780876596135
Publisher:	Gryphon House Inc.
Publication date:	10/01/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	216
File size:	8 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Rusty Keeler is a play space designer who has worked over the past 20 years with hundreds of community, school, parks, university, and child care leaders to dream, design, and construct beautiful outdoor environments for children. He has worked in more than 30 states and throughout Canada, Europe, China, Australia, and New Zealand. He is one of the pioneers in the movement to reconnect children to nature, and his designs reflect his sincere desire to create a more beautiful world in which to grow and explore. He is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at conferences, communities, and colleges worldwide. Rusty lives with his family among the gorges and creeks in Ithaca, NY. For more information visit www.earthplay.net 

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Introduction ix

Part 1 The Children and the Yards

The Seed Center

Summer 5

Autumn 25

Winter 33

Spring 47

Summer Again 65

Seed Center Yard Plan 82

A Conversation with Jacquelyn Beuchel, Director of the Seed Center, and Her Husband, Aaron 84

Corner of the Sky

Summer 91

Autumn 117

Winter 127

Spring 137

Corner of the Sky Yard Plan 146

Insights from Valerie Akers, Director of Corner of the Sky 148

LittleLeaf

Winter 153

LittleLeaf Yard Plan 172

Ideas for Nature Play from Priscilla Reyer, Director of LittleLeaf Homestead School 174

Part 2 Construction Projects and Resources

Construction Projects

Straw Bales 178

Sandpit 180

Plant Hideout 182

Questions and Answers 185

Community Build 194

Resources 197

Index 201

Interviews

Spencer, NY