I’m wondering if it is possible to buy blue tarp in most countries world-wide. This universal plastic weave sheet must be a ubiquitous necessity in all pre-schools that value outdoor play. One key reason for being outside is that it’s possible to play on a big – and even better – scale. Here’s just a small set of ideas to get you dreaming and scheming…

It’s a place to gather and sit. These children are examining a flint.

It’s a place for messy play. This sand was on a street near a market.

It makes an ideal focal point. Here’s a transient art activity.

It can be made into so many different shelters and dens. Here’s a “school”…

With a big tarp, part of it can be a windproof wall too…

It can be a place to crawl under…

Make it cosy in winter with lots of mats, blankets and scarves…

Hide away in some bushes. Here the tarp is the flooring and a small parachute makes up the roof…

Let children put up the tarp as much as possible…

Use velcro straps which are easy to use with little hands or in windy weather. I love the set from Muddy Faces which are especially strong and noisy when pulled apart…

If you have a blue tarp, how do you use yours?

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