FAQ
Here we will answer some of the questions we have been asked about our project:
Got questions? Email our teacher Emily at ehoyler@acsu.org
What happens when the materials get wet?
The materials haven’t gotten wet yet, but we have tarps to cover the materials if we have to. Usually we just leave the materials out, though, because the rain wouldn’t really harm them, most are found in the woods around us. Because most of the materials are biodegradable, we do expect that we will have to replace them over time.
How do you make it so things are not changed or destroyed?
It’s almost a rule of ours to leave other kids’ structures alone, unless we are told we can use them or break them. Sometimes if a structure has been there for awhile, we’ll take it down together and build something new. At the end of the week we will ask the kid if it is ok that we take it down.
How have people been using the materials?
Usually drumming or building forts and structures. People used to get in the barrels and roll down the hill until we decided that that was not the most safe idea, so now it is mostly just building.
How much did it cost?
So far, we have spent $65 on a landscaping fabric, and $20 for landscape staples. Luckily, the playground overall did not cost us much because we had some helpful donations of materials from staff members and parents. Our school already had a supply of wood chips we could use. We have some ideas of new materials we want to purchase, like pulleys and ropes. Since we held a fundraiser, we can make these purchases!
How do you keep people safe?
After meeting with some free play experts, we began learning about the difference between a risk and a hazard. Basically, the main difference is that a risk is something that you know you’re doing and are willing to do. A hazard is a danger that you don’t know about. Climbing high in a tree is a risk, but climbing high in a tree with rotting branches (that you don’t know about) is a hazard. In the Loose Parts area, we are we are trying to eliminate all hazards, but hope to leave room for some healthy risk taking. Leaving an area open for risk allows kids to learn how to keep themselves safe and leaves room for creativity. Our K/1 teacher taught us that a risk for an older student might be a hazard for a younger student. We are working on making the area hazard-free for all ages.
What rules do you have place to keep people safe and having fun?
Usually at Cornwall School we try to stay on the positive side when writing rules, but with the Loose Parts playground we have to be a little more clear:
1: No throwing materials.
2: No rolling in barrels.
3: No swinging materials.
4: Keep materials in the Loose Parts area.
5: No fighting.
6: No arguing.
7: No using materials as weapons or pretend weapons.
8: No disrupting other people forts until further notice.
We also have three "To Do's":
- Be flexible.
- Be safe.
- Share and take care of materials.
How does it work for everyone to use the Loose Parts playground?
The size of the start area hasn't really been a problem. We haven't had too many kids there at once.
What did you do to prevent splinters?
No one has had splinters while the Loose Parts area has been up, so far. But it is winter and we are wearing mittens and gloves.
Did you use plants and flowers to decorate around the area?
We did not use plants for flowers to decorate around the news part area, but that's a very good idea and we will take it into consideration.
What are some things that people have built?
Some things people have built are teepees, forts, drums, and all sort of structures to go inside of. Teepees seem to be the most popular.
Is the area all wood chips or grassy too?
We decided the best option would be to put a layer of wood chips over the landscaping fabric to make it a more distinct area for the Loose Parts materials to stay in. We also decided the wood chips would be a better idea because in the spring and summer when the lawn mower comes to mow the lawn, the wood chips area could contain the materials.
How big is the area?
Ours is around 30’ by 20’ but it can really be any size. We started small so in the upcoming months or years we can expand it.
Are you adding or replacing materials?
We expect we will have to replace more materials as time goes on. This spring we hope to add some new things.
How long do you think the materials are going to last for?
They should probably last us a few years or more, but we are prepared to replace them if necessary.
How do you connect things and/ or how do you cut the materials (rope/ wires/ etc…)?
We have some twine which doesn’t permanently connect things, and we can’t really cut things.
Is there a limit to how many objects you can use?
No, not really. To start we don’t have an overabundance of materials, so people mostly just work together and share really well.
Is there a height limit?
You can build as high as you want, but as far as drumming and swinging materials around, you can’t have them above your waist
Is there a specific area for the loose playground? How do you keep the materials in the place?
Yes it’s in the northwest side of our playground, in the corner. We laid out landscape fabric and wood chips as the base. We have a rule that the materials stay on the wood chips. We also thought that this way the lawn could be mowed without the loose parts getting in the way.