Childhood101

playing. learning. growing.

  • Learning Activities
    • Mathematics
    • Literacy
    • Social Emotional Learning
    • Distance Learning Resources
    • Coding for Kids
    • Science & Nature
    • Art & Craft
    • Holidays/Celebrations
    • Best Books for Kids
    • Products We Love
  • Play Ideas
    • Group Games for Kids
    • Sensory Play Ideas
    • Outdoor Play
    • Fun Play Spaces
    • Pretend Play
    • Lego Challenges
  • PRINTABLES
  • Books for Kids
    • Picture Books
    • Chapter Books
    • Graphic Novels
  • Activities By Age
    • School Age Learners
    • Pre+K Learners
    • Toddler Play
    • Baby Play
  • SHOP

Our Play Space: A Backyard Bus

This week on Our Play Space we are featuring the fabulous outdoor play space of a very fun mum, early childhood teacher and blogger – Jodie of Mummy Musings and Mayhem.

Outdoor Play Ideas Backyard Bus

Our Backyard Bus

Where is this playful space? Northern New South Wales, Australia

Tell us a little about the people who play in this space
My twins Ruby and Tara (3.5 years) absolutely love playing on this bus. I think it’s especially special to them because they worked with their Dad and I to source the recycled materials, bring them home, help to clean them and then build it. They both use it in different ways – Tara likes to ‘manage’ and direct her own play while Ruby likes to explore possibilities and use her imagination as often as possible. Tara often drives and Ruby decides where they are going! As I manage a family day care service from home (home child care) we always have lots of other little friends ready to  jump on board and be passengers. I’ve noticed it doesn’t matter whether they are 12 months or 5 years, they all play with it in their own unique way!

Outdoor Play Ideas Our Backyard Bus

What are you and your children’s favourite elements within the space?
My favourite element of this playspace is the scope offered by the bus and surrounding area for imagination, exploration, role play and communication among friends. They are always driving somewhere different, usually acting out somewhere they have been recently with their own family but sometimes it’s an obvious dream location they wish to visit! And the bus doesn’t have to be a bus…one day it’s a truck, the next a plane, the next a car. The children love to bring their own props to the area and tell me what they are making or doing and why. It can be truly fascinating at times to see their problem solving and dramatic play in action. I also love that it can be moved around the yard quite easily and was made from materials we found in our local garbage dump recycle area and at home.  And I think it has a lot more character than a big, bright plastic bus type object would in the backyard.

How does this space reflect your beliefs about how children play and/or learn?
I am a strong advocate for outdoor play and learning and incorporating areas like this into our outdoor playspace is important to me as an educator and as a parent. We are lucky to have a large outdoor space to work with but I believe that outdoor play can happen in even the smallest of spaces. This bus (and many of the other items we have made to add to different areas) will last for quite some time, even though they were all made on a very tight budget from recycled or upcycled items. I don’t believe you need to spend a fortune to get kids playing happily outdoors. Children have the right to experience the freedom and opportunities that outdoor play can provide- they can use their muscles, their brains, their lungs and most importantly their imaginations, it also helps to keep parents and educators sane in my opinion!

Outdoor Play Spaces Backyard Bus

See more of this amazing play space here.

Jodie is Mum to a teen who just flew the coop and 3.5 yr old twins who won’t be leaving anytime soon! She is also a qualified early childhood educator and runs a family day care service from the family home. Through her blog, Mummy Musings and Mayhem, she enjoys sharing parenting moments (both good and not so good!), budget friendly easy kids activities, fussy toddler food, outdoor play space ideas and activities and child care information for parents and educators. You can also keep up with the mayhem on her Facebook page or explore her boards on Pinterest.

Be sure to check out the previous posts in the Our Play Space series for more playful inspiration for your home or early learning centre.

Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.

Filed Under: Featured, Our Play Space

Previous post: 101 Ways to Play Outdoors Printable Poster
Next post: More Than Building: 10 Fabulous Duplo Block Activity Ideas

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. Bek @ Just For Daisy says

    March 23, 2014 at 5:57 PM

    Love this!
Welcome
pinterestinstagramteachers pay teachersyoutubefacebook

Search

Tips & Resources


Latest

Best ideas for sensory play for toddlers

20 Best Ideas for Sensory Play for Toddlers

Looking for ideas for sensory play for toddlers? Today we have a super fun list … [Read More...]

Over 55 super ideas for sensory bins

55+ Super Sensory Bin Ideas for Kids

We are big fans of sensory play in our house! Since they were small, my girls … [Read More...]

65+ YA dystopian books for teens

21 Thrilling YA Dystopian Book Series for Teens

Inside: Our pick of the best YA dystopian books series for teens. If your … [Read More...]

The Book

Learning Resources


Activities by Age

Baby
Toddler
Preschool
School-age
Family

Copyright ©2022 · Childhood101 - All Rights Reserved ·

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • PRIVACY POLICY