Noah's Ark is awarded a grant to reinvent the center's playground by T. Lynn Weston, Ed. S.

Over a month ago, Noah's Ark Preschool Academy of Terrell, Inc. was awarded a $10,000.00 grant to purchase playground equipment and other items. It took several weeks before the items arrived, but the wait was worth it. The old playground that once gave students a place to run and play, was about to be transformed into an engaging and creative experience.

The CEO, Pastor Willard O. Weston, Sr. hired a member from his church to complete the enormous task of assembling not one playground, but two. The one and two-year-olds have a separate playground from the older children. The equipment for the younger children's playground was tedious, but the swing set on the older playground was a test of trial and error. But after nearly a week, both tasks were complete.

Why is this so important to the CEO, Vice President, and staff? Because building on large motor skills was one of their goals for the school year. Large motor skills involve strengthening the arms, legs, and torso. The co-founders knew their efforts to provide quality outdoor play weren't working so well. So when they read the email that had been awarded the grant, their prayers had been answered.

Early Childhood programs are required to provide outside for children daily. Purchasing equipment that builds on large motor skills means selecting developmentally appropriate equipment that children can explore and improve physically, socially, emotionally, and through imaginative play. We knew that playground equipment that is engaging helps to build self-confidence, improve coordination, and advance critical thinking.

It is important that teachers and staff model and monitor children as they play on the new equipment. The first day on the new playground should be a learning experience or a teachable moment. Childcare professionals should model playing on the equipment and explain safety procedures on the children's level of learning. Children should be taught to play on the equipment correctly to prevent falls or other injuries.

Mr. Willie Marcus, who assembled the playgrounds, made sure that all equipment was mounted down and sturdy. The founder's granddaughter, Canzis, tried each piece of equipment out. We can safely say, that the playground was open for business. Even the swing, was mounted and bolted for safety purposes. Afterward, rubber mulch was added to the fall areas for protection. The center is working on removing all sandy areas to eliminate any germs that sand may carry.