There are many nooks and crannies in the yard – I designed it that way. There is no place where I can stand or sit and have an unobstructed view of the entire yard. I must keep moving around the yard to check on the activities of all the children. I like this.
All the separate play areas provide a wide variety of opportunities for the children to engage in group or individual activities. I am always near enough to provide assistance if one of the children needs me but the children don’t feel smothered as they would if I were constantly hovering over them. Without constant direct supervision the children are more creative and independent.
After one of my quick scans around the yard I was only able to locate two of the four children. I did a more thorough search and still only found two children. I had a mild panic attack but I knew they were here – somewhere. The gates were secure and it had only been a few minutes since I last saw them.
On my third – comprehensive – investigation of the yard I found them. They were here;
Do you see them?
They are behind the bench. I only found them because one of them peeked out over the back of the bench between the cedars. The cedars are backed by benches on both the East and West and the fence on the South. The North side is open and between the cedars there is an old log;
It was here on the stump that the girls had created a mini picnic area just big enough for two little friends.
This spot has been here for three years but only this week did it became a secret hideaway.
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