Chickens Play Study

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The next day we set out to the Highline! In our reflections the Chickens discussed that the Highline offers plenty of benches for resting and observing, garbages and recycling for keeping it clean and safe, and that it is a great space to be active. 

On day 4 we visited the Pre-K Rabbits classroom to share about play in first grade and learn about the games in their space. We also spent some time in the ELC playground, observing the similarities and differences between their space and ours. We had a great time and got more inspiration for our designs!

On day 3 First Grade had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Schulman, former head of the ELC at Avenues. She shared the most important factors to take into consideration when designing a play space for children. Some of those include age, safety, creativity, and physical space. The students then went to our Roof with the perspective of play designers. We mapped out the Roof in our journals as we reflected on our likes and dislikes of our Roof. 

On Day 9 we explored on of our favorite parks with a new lens: Seal Park! After we reflected on the particular equipment and features that allow children to be creative, active, inclusive, and safe in their play. 

On day 1 we launched our study of play by discussing what we know about play and creating our ideal play spaces. We shared our ideas with each other and drew our plans for our play space. After, the Chickens excitedly explored play centers in the classroom. We had varied materials such as play-doh, magnatiles, legos, and art materials. 

After we learned all about an indoor community and play space: Cocoon! Megan and Karl, co creators of Cocoon, came to share with First Grade all about Cocoon's design and how it helps kids and adults play and socialize. We were inspired to think about using recycled materials, include classes in our place space, and use materials that invite imaginative play. Then we had a chance to play!

Week 3 invited the Chickens to reflect on their experiences and plan for their play space blueprint. We used our Co-lab journal to help us brainstorm for our final design. We drew our blueprints using pencils, flare pens, and colored pencils. Finally, we incorporated our play space designs into Scratch Jr., a coding application, and added in details to show how we would use our play space!

On day 2 the Chickens participated in low-interest play centers in order to compare and contrast with the high-interest play centers from Day 1. In our reflection, the students noticed that engaging play requires sufficient materials, varied centers, and materials that allow children to use their imaginations. This discussion allowed them to begin thinking about what they will need to create an ideal play space. 

During the Co-lab immersive experience, first graders studied the need for and benefits of play.

We explored various play and recreation space designs in the Chelsea community and the Avenues community to better understand how improving public recreation spaces can meet this important part of children's development.

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In Week 2 we set out in our community to get further inspiration for our play spaces. We discussed with thought partners how these places help children to be creative, active, pretend, inclusive, and safe. On day 6 we visited Chelsea field. The Chickens noticed that an open field with turf allows children to be active and creative in their games on a safe surface.

On day 5 Street Lab came to visit us and share their mission of making play accessible to all neighborhoods in New York City. We learned about the places and materials the organization uses to create unique pop-up play spaces across boroughs. After we had the opportunity to engage in a Street lab obstacle course in the WAM room!

1. Which play spaces did you visit in your research? 2. When you visited each play space, what questions did you ask yourself? 3. Who are some of the experts you talked to and what do they do? 4. What did you build for your play space? 5. How did you decide what to include in your play space? 6. What was your favorite part of designing your play space?

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