"We've got him. Let's tie him up and throw him in the dungeon," Corey directs.

      The friends wrap imaginary ropes around their gently fierce prey and triumphantly lead him to imprisonment under the sliding board.

      Observe kids playing outside, and you'll be able to make long lists of educational terms to describe what's happening: social growth, language development, building of leadership skills, physical development, and more. But, the kids know what's really important. They're having fun!

      We can enhance their learning by providing the best equipment and props to support their play. "Best" doesn't translate into the most dollars spent. It means safe, multi-purpose, and creative.

      Equipment is the big, permanent stuff like swings and climbing structures. If money allows, invest in several sturdy pieces. Safety is the key word. Examine carefully to be sure there are no sharp edges and no places that can pinch fingers. Look for rust-proof, non-splintering materials. Choose strap seats for swings. They stay cool in direct sunlight, and they cause less injury if a young child runs in front of the moving swing and is hit by it.

      Choose equipment and props that can be used in more than one way. Open-ended equipment leads to socialization and creative thinking. Children sitting side-by-side on a swing may be talking together, but children scaling a climber have more interaction. They engage in creative thinking, cooperative play, and social interaction as they call out, "Catch that lion!"  "Call the police."  "Swim over here, mermaids!"

      Props are the smaller, temporary, changeable items that encourage and enhance children's play. Rug squares can become magic carpets, fish ponds, parking lots, a giant's stepping stones, or fields for galloping ponies. A strip of paper folded and taped around a belt loop becomes an animal's tail. Tied around the waist, it becomes a Super Hero's power belt. Large pieces of paper folded into various shapes become hats for firemen, marching musicians, or explorers.

      Balls of all sizes encourage running, individual competition, and group cooperation. Two children tossing a beach ball back and forth build language, physical, and social skills. At Thanksgiving, children chasing a ball around the yard may pretend they are trying to capture a turkey. At another time, the same ball may be a dinosaur's egg that's rolling away from the paleontology team.

      Bring paper and markers outside so children can make simple signs and labels. Place a "dungeon" sign under the climbing equipment, or "under the sea" at the end of the sliding board. On another day, bury seashells, pebbles or small plastic toys in the sand and post a "treasure" sign at the sand box. Challenge older students to bury the treasure again and draw a treasure map for another class.

      Label your garden "Mr. MacGregor's Garden" or let a sign designate the monkey bars as "Troll's Bridge", and watch the drama unfold. Yellow squares of paper or cloth leading to an area labeled "Oz" will spark other ideas.

      Never pass up an empty carton or cardboard packing box. Furniture stores, office supply places and grocery stores are generous with these props. Tape the boxes closed for use as huge building blocks, or open all flaps and tape them together in a long tunnel. Children love to hide inside.

      Cut openings in large boxes for playhouses, bear caves, and space ships. Use detachable labels, because today's Three Little Pigs' house will tomorrow become Red Riding Hood's grandma's house.

      Clothing props are fun, but always keep safety in mind. Avoid items that tie around the neck. Keep strings, yarn, and rope far from the playground. Loose ties and floppy clothing can become caught on play equipment as children move through, causing serious injury.

      Most school accidents happen outside, and sixty percent of playground injuries are the result of falls. Check to see that your play yard's surface absorbs impact. For information about safe playground equipment and surfaces, consult with commercial companies that sell outdoor equipment or write The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; Washington, DC 20207. Request their "Handbook For Public Playground Safety."

      Help parents and other teachers understand that learning doesn't stop when you open the doors. With proper equipment, props, and support for children's creative play, learning is as big as all outdoors.

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