Just examine the latest research to discover how the new importance of play is changing the way teachers teach. At Little Tikes Commercial, they’ve been following that research, along with the latest movement among educators to take learning outside.Introducing Clever Climbers™, a new modern play system designed with features that invite exploration and teaching opportunities.
Teachers are looking for ways to put what they teach in the classroom outside in a natural environment. Consider the growing popularity of “Reggio Emilia” classrooms designed with wall-sized windows, courtyards and doors that open up into a center piazza. Developed in Italy shortly after World War II and introduced in the United States in 1987, the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching early learners has captured the imaginations of educators around the globe.
To better understand outdoor play needs of early childhood educators and children, Little Tikes Commercial conducted in-depth research of childcare centers across the globe. Through countless interviews with educators and observing kids at play, Little Tikes Commercial was able to identify a comprehensive wish list of key design features. Here’s how Creative Climbers™ delivers on that list.
Size choices
One size play center does not fit all. That’s why there are three sizes of Clever Climbers™: Jump Start! (small), Cut Loose! (medium) and All Out! (large) ranging from 10 feet by 10 feet to 16 feet by 15 feet.
Color choices
There are three: “Primary” with bright yellow, blue, red, green and orange, “Natural” with muted greens and browns, and “Contemporary” with different hues of blue and purple.
More shade
The roof on All Out! is three to four times bigger than the roof on the original Little Tikes Commercial PlayCenter, a best-seller for 12 years. To make sure it’s easy to install, the roof is manufactured in three pieces.
A “twister” slide
Back by popular demand, the spiral slide is safer and more fun than ever.
A climber for toddlers
Rock climbing walls are in demand, but most are only available for children ages 5 to 12. To meet the safety needs of children ages 2 to 5, Little Tikes Commercial developed its unique Toddler Climber component. It looks like rocks, but climbs like stairs.
Adjustable-height footing
Due to the various choices of fall absorbent surfacing products on the market, Little Tikes Commercial developed an adjustable footing that works with all types of surfacing products. Customers can adjust the height of the footing accordingly to accommodate solid rubber surfacing, turf safety systems, and even 12 inches of loose fill just to name a few. Whatever loose-fill option you choose, the adjustable-height footing will have it covered.
Easy installation
Clever Climbers™ were specifically designed so that day care providers can put them together themselves.
Learning components to meet every early childhood education philosophy.
Walls lined with shapes, animals, animal tracks and characters are standard features. Imprinted panels that can be switched out with others for fresh learning experiences are in development as add-ons. For educators who lean toward a more structured curriculum, Little Tikes Commercial is developing study guides to be used in conjunction with Clever Climbers™.
“This time in a child’s life is full of learning – critical for building the skills needed for school readiness. Most of their learning happens through the natural activity of play. Beyond contributing to the mastery of specific skills like literacy, arithmetic and science skills so spotlighted in today’s early childhood classrooms, play contributes to the emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development of the child, in ways that cannot be taught through instruction. They must be experienced, and play is the natural, built-in way children accumulate that experience.”
From the article “Fabulous Four-Year-Olds,” part 3 of a series designed to increase understanding of preschoolers and their development by Susan J. Oliver, Playing for Keeps, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy, constructive, non-violent play for all children.
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