A gentle story about a child navigating the fun and challenges of the playground, learning about waiting, asking to join, staying safe, and taking breaks when needed.
Sometimes I go to the playground. The playground is a fun place with swings that go high and slides that go whoosh! I like to run and play. I can have lots of fun here. The sun is warm, and the air smells like fresh grass. My grown-up is here with me, too. I feel excited to play.
Other children like to play at the playground, too. I see someone on the swing and someone on the slide. Someone else is building in the sandbox. We all want to have fun. Sometimes, we might want to use the same swing or slide at the same time. That is okay. It happens to everyone.
When someone is using the swing, I can wait for my turn. I stand safely to the side where it's not too close. I watch the swing go back and forth. I can count the swings quietly in my head: one, two, three. I can think about how fun my turn will be. Waiting is part of playing together.
Now it is my turn! I sit on the swing and hold on tight. I pump my legs to go higher. The wind feels cool on my face. I smile because swinging is so much fun. I swing for a little while. Then I remember it might be someone else's turn soon. I can be a good friend and share.
I see some children playing a game together. If I want to play with them, I can ask. I walk closer and say in a friendly voice, 'Can I play too?' Sometimes they smile and say, 'Yes!' That feels nice. Sometimes they say, 'Not right now.' That is okay, too. I can find something else fun to do.
I try to stay safe when I play. On the swing, I hold on with both hands. On the slide, I sit down and watch where I'm going. I look around to see where my grown-up is sitting. I walk, I don't run, near other children. Staying safe helps me have fun without getting hurt.
The playground can feel very busy and loud sometimes. If all the sounds and running feel like too much, that's okay. I can take a break. I walk to a quiet bench away from the noise. I sit down and take slow, deep breaths. In... and out. I feel my body start to calm down.
After my break, I feel better. I can go play again if I want to. Or, if I feel all done, I can tell my grown-up. I might say, 'I'm ready to go home.' My grown-up smiles and holds my hand. We wave goodbye to the playground. Playground time can be fun, and I did a great job.