A School Director Speaks Out

You asked whether the play environment your company designed for us has made our Montessori school more competitive, and if so, why?

Our school certainly looks better for sure! We use the natural playground as a “selling point” by connecting it with a few things:

The first thing we talk about is the Nature Deficit Disorder that is a big topic these days. Basically the fact that children have so little time to spend in natural settings is affecting their ability to understand/appreciate the rhythms of life and all that entails.

Another connection we make is the fact that children today have so little unstructured play time because this relates directly to their ability to negotiate social rules and parameters.

Together these things really prevent children from being connected to nature and to one another in society – a double whammy.

Basically, we can offer unstructured play time outdoors in a natural environment because we recognize that children need it, but it also helps families provide this invaluable opportunity for their children when they may not be willing or able to do so after school and/or on weekends.

Unstructured play in a natural environment is very appealing without a doubt.

We also use the strategies you shared with us regarding the statistics of safety with traditional playground equipment (that accidents have not really gone done despite the huge increase in safety standards).

Together, these things really can affect a parent’s decision when all else is equal. Finally, the fact that we actually have a long term development plan in place seems to provide a level of confidence that things are actually going to get done. You are right, though, that you have to keep on pushing even when things are taking shape and looking good.

The actually plan from The Natural Playgrounds Company® has been great for this – and for our fundraising efforts!

We will use the drawings for this purpose this year.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

P.S.

Executive Director
Montessori School