To survive, we humans need four things: water, food, fire and shelter. Many will even identify shelter as the highest priority for surviving in the wilderness.
Shelters are not only important to our survival, but also have a strong connection to child development and play. We have all seen young children climb inside of a big box or build a fort or bury themselves in blankets; these types of play activities are part of the enclosing schema.
What is a schema? According to Flying Start Nurseries, schemas are patterns of repeated behavior that allow children to explore and express developing ideas and thoughts through their play and exploration. The repetitive actions of schematic play allow children to construct meaning in what they are doing.
Constructing hideouts, building fences and walls, tucking into small places, hiding under tables — all of these behaviors allow children to learn, meet needs and find meaning through their play.
Though this kind of play develops in all seasons — both outside and indoors — summer is a great time to explore enclosures, shelters and more! So what can we do to support this play? Play along with them!
Build a fort, nest, leanto or shelter
Start out by gathering your supplies. Indoors, maybe it is chairs and blankets, or a sheet over the dining table. Outside, supplies might include sticks, tarps, pine branches or ropes. You are looking for anything to create a separate, special place, a place just big enough for its builders … and maybe a stuffed friend or two! Bring your own creativity, and ensure there is plenty of space for your children’s ideas, too.
I love to build leantos. It typically starts with finding a few really tall sticks or downed branches and leaning them against a tree trunk. My favorite is when we find a tree trunk at an angle more parallel to the ground, and can make a two-sided leanto. My kids and I will take turns hunting for long enough sticks and being part of the actual construction. Usually I am still excited about the building even after kids have taken over the inside and started into a whole different area of play!
Play hide-and-seek
An oldie, but a goodie, plus this is an easy one to get started and play nearly anywhere.
The classic game is great. And if you are looking for some exciting twists, try these:
Predator & Prey: This version, also sometimes called Camouflage, involves one or a small group of Predators remaining in a small circle and spotting Prey hidden at a reasonable distance. Predators can only use their eyes to spot Prey. The Prey they can see, become Predators and the population of Prey becomes smaller each round.
Sardines: This version is the classic game in reverse — one Hider to start, everyone else is a Seeker. When a Seeker finds the Hider, they join in hiding. All of the Seekers-turned-Hiders must pack into the same spot the original Hider was in. It can get to be a tight squeeze depending on the spot, hence the name!
Cardboard boxes
Stockpile your Amazon deliveries, stop into Costco and ask your friend that just moved. Gather cardboard boxes and other interesting cardboard pieces (electronics and IKEA furniture tend to have fun packing material) and let the play unfold! A single large box can become a tunnel, a cave, a house, a car, a rocket ship and so much more — so many fun things to curl up in, hide, find a small place of their own. I have seen several smaller boxes be stacked and turned into doll hotels, truck garages and bug houses. I love to add in materials like tape, rope or string, and sometimes even paints and other colors. The possibilities with cardboard boxes and materials are seemingly endless!
Discover shelters in the world
Go out and explore the world! On most of our hikes and explorations out into the world, we find shelters and cozy places made by nature or those who came before us. In the woods, we have discovered a giant rock with a perfect kid-sized cave under one side. Along biking and hiking paths, we have stumbled upon tiny shelters for trolls and houses for fairies. On the beaches along Lake Michigan, we have found amazing tipis built with driftwood and other materials found by the beach. We have even helped to create a little hideout tucked behind some trees in our neighborhood park! Wherever we venture to, we are sure to find and build shelters.
Camping
It is definitely camping season, and fun way to really explore shelters and enclosures is inside your camping tent! Whether you set up a tent in your backyard for an afternoon nap, or go out to your favorite state or county park for several nights of camping, shelter takes on a whole new meaning and feel.
Read about forts, hideouts and secret places kids love
Here are just a few of my favorite picture books about shelters and other aspects connected to the enclosing schema: The Secret Staircase, Fort Building Time, Welcome Home, Bear, Roxaboxen and Shelter.
Go build a fort, tuck into a tent or curl up in a nest of blankets or sticks, and read one of these sweet stories with your favorite kiddos!
Lee Alliet is an outdoor educator, wildschooling mama and naturing enthusiast. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, two kids, resident dogs and an array of foster dogs. You can follow her outdoor adventures on Instagram and learn more about classes and events in the Madison area on her website.