Playing outside.
That's how we do it at Kober.
Lots of outdoor play is good and healthy. That's why all our children go outside every day to play in the grass, bake sand cakes, or build forts. In an outdoor space that's cleverly and attractively designed. Want to join us?
Playing outside.
That's how we do it at Kober.
Lots of outdoor play is good and healthy. That's why all our children go outside every day to play in the grass, bake sand cakes, or build forts. In an outdoor space that's cleverly and attractively designed. Want to join us?
We're glad you're here.
Go quickly to...
Why play outside important is
Research shows that green spaces are good for you. Children who play outdoors get more exercise, are less likely to be overweight, and develop better motor skills. It's also been proven that being outdoors has a positive effect on children's brains. Children can concentrate longer. Their working memory improves. And they are more sociable.
Our formula for Outside
That's why we're putting more emphasis on outdoor play at Kober. Based on our pedagogical vision, we've developed a formula for our outdoor spaces. This formula guides how we design the outdoor areas of our locations. For example, we believe it's important that the outdoor space is an extension of the indoor pedagogical space. And that we stimulate children's development – just as we do indoors.
A green and playful basis
We're aiming for a green, playful foundation, using organic shapes and natural materials. An outdoor space that stimulates the senses and invites them to participate in all sorts of activities. We ensure that children can climb and clamber freely, for example. This is good for their self-confidence and motor skills. Or that they can play hide-and-seek effectively. It's very stimulating for teamwork. We also pay extra attention to everything that grows and blooms. This way, children develop respect for nature and the things around them.
This is how our outdoor spaces get out
Outdoor activities:
this is what we do
What exactly do children do for outdoor activities? All our outdoor spaces are perfect for the 5 most important basic activities:
Discover and wonder
Look, feel, experience: the outdoor space is designed to spark children's curiosity. We encourage them to explore: playing with sand, splashing around in the water, and quietly studying the creatures together.
Climbing and scrambling
There's nothing more fun than going up and down a hill. Or reaching the top of the climbing frame under your own steam. And who can make it across the log path the fastest? The kind of activity that's simply not possible indoors. While this kind of play helps children explore their limits. It's incredibly good for their self-confidence and independence.
Running and cycling
Ring! Here I come! Shall we play tag? In Kober's outdoor area, children can cycle and run freely. Thanks to the circular routes, they have the space to move freely. This way, they gradually become a little faster, more agile, and stronger.
Meeting and finding yourself
A screened-in play area, a well-equipped sandbox, and a safe playground are just as important as any good outdoor space. These are typically places where children can unwind, play quietly with a friend, or share their thoughts with the childcare staff.
Carrying and building
An outdoor space isn't complete until you can carry and build. So we provide a variety of surfaces and building materials. This way, we encourage teamwork, stimulate motor skills, and help children develop new insights.
Toys for Outside
Just like inside, we provide a variety of toys and play materials outside as well. This gives children plenty of choice. Furthermore, we use different materials to address different developmental areas.
Outdoor
in picture
The new-style outdoor space is challenging, diverse, and inviting. It features plenty of natural materials. Want to see it for yourself?
Let's stack up!
These cork blocks are the perfect base material for building. They're light, handy, and multifunctional. Be sure to store them in a dry place!
peek a boo
It's nice to have a secluded place to chill, play, or dance 'unseen'... Naturally made from sustainable wood.
Play tree
The existing tree was incorporated into the design. It's respectful, and it's also a great research subject.
Stammplaats
Refuel at the picnic table. It's also handy for crafting or having lunch.
On the pedals
Want to cycle endlessly in circles without having to make a pit stop? That's perfectly possible on the continuous cobblestone path.
Custom climbing
Clever, a custom-made climbing and clambering element. It gives children the space to explore their limits.
Let's stack up!
These cork blocks are the perfect base material for building. They're light, handy, and multifunctional. Be sure to store them in a dry place!
peek a boo
It's nice to have a secluded place to chill, play, or dance 'unseen'... Naturally made from sustainable wood.
Play tree
The existing tree was incorporated into the design. It's respectful, and it's also a great research subject.
Stammplaats
Refuel at the picnic table. It's also handy for crafting or having lunch.
On the pedals
Want to cycle endlessly in circles without having to make a pit stop? That's perfectly possible on the continuous cobblestone path.
Custom climbing
Clever, a custom-made climbing and clambering element. It gives children the space to explore their limits.
Surprising toys think out of the box
Children don't always need the latest toys to enjoy outdoor play. They can easily use recycled materials, indoor toys, or items meant for other purposes. In fact, different toys spark the imagination and encourage different kinds of play.
The toy figures inside, for example, suddenly take center stage in the sandbox or among the bushes. With pans, ladles, colanders, and jugs, baking a sand cake or boiling grass soup feels much more "real." And with those old pipes, planks, and bricks, you can easily build a sturdy knight's castle.
Outdoor toys tailor-made
We help every group get started. We give them ideas for outdoor toys and tips for surprising, safe, and sustainable play equipment. For example, the baby and toddler groups have a play mat, transparent buckets, and ergonomic hand shovels. And at the after-school care center, we teach children how to responsibly use things like pocket knives and fire pits. Because that's also part of growing up.
Is it true? safe?
It might sound a bit daunting to you as a parent: children running along log paths, building with real bricks, and climbing to the top of the jungle gym. But did you know that children learn by taking risks? And that this is precisely how we can prevent accidents? This is how we help children develop fine motor skills, perseverance, and self-confidence.
Good to know: we have mapped out the risks at each location and recorded them in a safety and health policy.
Please inquire!
boundaries explore
It helps to know that children are generally good at estimating their own limits and what they're willing to do. The more often they make that assessment, the better they'll be at it. And don't forget: the childcare workers are always nearby. They provide the right guidance. They encourage children and observe from a distance.
Did you know...
Bad weather doesn't exist?
Poor clothing, though. That's why at Kober, we provide waterproof clothing and boots in the group, for both the children and the pedagogical staff.
We take care of the greenery in the garden together with the children?
We water the plants. We rake the leaves. And we clean up together. This aligns well with our pedagogical principle of "respect for others and the world around us."
Is strengthening better than restricting?
In other words: we prefer to say "yes" rather than "no." This is possible because we provide a suitable play environment. And we carefully observe and listen to what a child can and wants.
Does it matter how we as adults respond?
How we as adults react to, say, a spider (scary!) or a wasp (kill it!) matters. It shapes how children perceive nature. That's why our pedagogical staff consciously set aside their personal experiences. This way, we encourage an open mind in the children.
Are children allowed to get dirty at Kober?
In fact, getting dirty is healthy, as it's good for the immune system. It also adds depth to the game. Children explore and experiment more, learn to help each other, and practice the risks of falling, slipping, and playing in water.
Playing outside in the district
Playing outside in the neighborhood is something we do too! Especially in locations with limited outdoor space. Often, there's a playground, park, or petting zoo nearby. Such a different environment is stimulating and broadens children's perspectives.
De outdoor space from your shelter location
Over the next few years, we'll be gradually renovating all our locations' outdoor spaces. We'll create a customized plan for each area. Curious about the plans or ideas behind the design of your child's outdoor space at your childcare location? Ask our childcare staff. They're happy to tell you more.