We’re Using the Outdoor Stage!
Our Outdoor Stage is now complete and in use every day!
A few years ago, we came up with a design for an outdoor stage to enhance play opportunities for children on the playground. With a LOT of help on construction (Mike Griffin drew out a design that would work and has worked tirelessly constructing the stage this fall along with Christian Diamandis and family, and with help from James Doherty) and with the support of the many families who donated funds for the stage through our Annual Appeal, we met our goal!
An outdoor stage offers the children space where they can engage in imaginative, creative and expressive play, including pretend play, puppetry, drama, storytelling, dance and music. It’s a “destination” spot on the playground that can help contain a “big idea” that a group of children share. “Dramatic play permits children to fit the reality of the world into their own interests and knowledge. One of the purest forms of symbolic thought available to young children, dramatic play contributes strongly to the intellectual development of children.” ~Jean Piaget
With very little introduction, the children have created some wonderful play opportunities together already. We’ve seen puppet shows and scarf dancing. We’ve seen parades as children use instruments and sing together. And we’ve seen organized “performances”, when a few children provide music for others who improvise expressive dances.
We can’t thank our community of supporters enough for helping us continue to develop the space and opportunities children need to create, plan, and learn together. The time, caring, expertise, labor, and funding offered is truly incredible and we are all deeply grateful. It’s a joy to watch our children grow together!
