Active Boundaries: children in the Early Years (and of all ages) have an endless fascination with exploring boundaries; given the opportunity they will actively cross over, under or through them.
"Pathways speak loudly to children and they are compelled to respond to them."
Wilenski & Wending, 2013.
We possess a natural inclination to follow pathways as they provide secure passage through unfamiliar terrain. By traversing, balancing along edges or encountering boundaries, children actively develop their cognitive skills, broadening their ability to think and operate in both two and three dimensions.
The well-designed path is irresistible. It invites, even pulls people into the garden. Put a curve into a path that disappears around a corner and [people] will yearn to know what is around that corner. [Paths make the] garden become coherent while simultaneously offering intrigue, surprise, movement, variety and ever-changing perspectives.”
Hayward 1998
Pathways have a potent influence on individuals, particularly children, and can have a pivotal role in shaping how an outdoor environment is accessed and used. Through repeated exploration of these paths, children gradually map out the entirety of their outdoor surroundings, establishing personalised routes and a deeper spatial understanding.
We can find comfort in following the routes that have already been taken by others, following the beaten track implies a secure route that leads to a useful destination. In the absence of established pathways, humans will make their own way-lines created by frequent footfall (sometimes known as desire paths).
In your setting you can observe the well-worn ground in certain areas of your site. These bare patches identify the preferred areas where children choose to spend their time. It often becomes apparent that children have a natural inclination to explore the external boundaries of a setting.
A straight path provides clear visibility of the way ahead, offering a distinct sense of direction and a tangible connection to the final destination. It allows you to visually comprehend your journey, understand the route, and anticipate what awaits you at the end.
Thanks to Narelle Debenham from Natured Kids from Australia for the photograph.
A meandering path presents a multitude of challenges, encompassing both physical and emotional dimensions. Its twists and turns introduces changes in direction, potentially navigating around obstacles and undulations. The nature of a winding path often shrouds the destination in mystery, adding an element of the unknown to the journey.
Paths intersecting and branching in different directions provide valuable opportunities for decision-making and negotiations. Over time a mental map of these intertwining paths begins to take shape, aiding children in comprehending their outdoor environment and fostering a sense of comfort within it. Networks of paths not only facilitate navigation but also support complex imaginative play.
"A labyrinth-like hierarchy of pathways and journeys offer a variety of perspectives and ways of travelling, enriching ways children and adults can perceive and interact with the environment and each other."
Shaw, 1987.
Way
- a method, style, or manner of doing something; an optional or alternative form of action
- a road, track, or path for travelling along
Path
- a way or track that is built or is made by the action of people walking
- a plan of action or a way of achieving something
- a line along which somebody/something moves; the space in front of somebody/something as they move
Footpath
- a path that is made for people to walk along, especially in the country
in the Muddy Faces shop.
This boundary rope is ideal as an addition to your active boundaries sets, expanding on the boundary options you can make with it and inspiring children's creativity with their outdoor play.
Available in 2 different sizes.
This sleeper made out of UK grown wood and manufactured in the UK by our own Muddy Faces team, would be a perfect addition to your active boundaries sets, expanding on the paths, edges and boundary options that you can make ...
Active Boundaries
Children in the Early Years (and of all ages) have an endless fascination with exploring boundaries; given the opportunity they will consistently cross over, under or through them.
The world is full of boundaries and edges, not only physical but also social, all of which need to be identified, explored and played with to be understood.
Join us going Over, Under & Through (OUT) our Active Boundaries.
NEW and EXCLUSIVE to Muddy Faces.
Bridges & stiles
Active Boundaries: children in the Early Years (and of all ages) have an endless fascination with exploring boundaries; given the opportunity they will actively cross over, under or through them.
Bridges & stiles appeal to children’s innate urge to climb and elevate themselves off the ground even when it is a challenge, perhaps because it is a challenge. Vertical exploration needs coordination, balance, strength & bravery. It can take repeated attempts and determination to master the skills needed to scale an obstacle.
Read More about Bridges & stiles
Gates & doorways
Active Boundaries: children in the Early Years (and of all ages) have an endless fascination with exploring boundaries; given the opportunity they will actively cross over, under or through them.
The allure of gates for children is undeniable; the simple act of passing through them, with their dynamic possibilities of swinging, opening, closing and securing can be a captivating experience.
Read More about Gates & doorways