Wynten Way Park Observation As A Childhood Space For Children

Children from all different age groups love going to the park therefore, I chose my neighborhood park (Wynten Way Park) to observe as a childhood space. The park I chose is a childhood space because it is a place for children to come together and play. Children are able to play with different equipment, can interact with other children and are given the opportunity to explore. This park is a safe space for children, for instance the ground is made from a soft rubber material instead of pavement. The equipment in the park is appropriately anchored to the ground and nothing has been broken or misused. The structure of the park is appropriate for children’s age and development. In the main structure, there are different heights to the equipment

Children come to the park under guardian/parental supervision or with other peers. Children playing at the park are able to interact with other children and parents as well. Children learn how to take turns with one another and share. Therefore, this allows children to think creatively and also learn how to problem solve. Penn (2014) uses Lev Vygotsky a Russian psychologist and his idea about play and imagination. “Play enables children to think and act in more complex ways, to invent their own rules and narratives” (Penn, 2014, p.47). This shows how play is important to childhood and development. Play shapes how children make sense of their world and how they learn skills. Children are using vocabulary, are playing various games and are using different equipment at the park. The children and adults that come to the park are able to get physical activity which is good for overall health. Childhood has shaped this space because parents bring their children at an early age to socialize them. Children begin to recognize the playground as a space to play and interact with peers and use different play