Canadian Biodiversity Institute

School Grounds Transformation

SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS

These sample questions are just that. They are intended as a guide only and schools can adjust them according to their needs.

STUDENT BRAINSTORMING

Start by asking the students to tell you what they do outside at different times of the year. Write all responses to questions and note all general comments and ideas for changes on a flip chart for future reference. Where appropriate, expand upon the responses to the questions about existing conditions and uses by asking students questions such as those shown in parentheses. You can also ask students to draw their vision of their ideal schoolyard.

•	Where do you like to play? Why?

•	Is there anything that you like to do that is “not allowed”? Why?

•	Is there enough for everyone to do what they like to do? Why? Why not? (What would you like to be able to do outside?)

•	What do you think of the noise in the yard? Would you like to have quiet places away from active play? Would you like to be able to sit quietly and read or talk to friends? (What would a quiet place be like?)

•	Are there any places where bullying takes place? Where? (What can be done to solve this problem?)

•	Are there any out-of-bounds areas? Why? (When students are attracted to shade, quiet or natural surroundings found in off-limits spaces, ask how such places could be replicated in other areas of the schoolyard.)

•	Are there any natural areas? (Would you like to have more nature in the yard?)

•	Are there any places in the yard that are not used very much? Why? (What can be done to make them more interesting?)

•	Is there any shade? Where? (How can more shade be created?)

•	Is it comfortable? Why? Why not? (What can be done to make it more comfortable?)

•	Is it colourful outside? (Are your classrooms colourful? Why? How can the yard be made more colourful?)

•	What sounds/noises do you hear when you are playing? Do you like them? (What sounds would you like to hear?)

•	Is there any seating? Where? Is it in the right place? (Where can seating be added? Think about how you would use seating arrangements. If you designed seating to suit the things you want to do outside, what shape would it be? What would it be made of? Can you think of interesting things to make seating of such as longs, stumps, rocks, etc.?)

•	Is there any shelter from the wind or sun? (How can shade and windbreaks be created?) 

•	Are there any trees in the yard? Where? How big are they? (Would you like to have more trees and other vegetation in the yard?)

•	Do you use the schoolyard for classwork? (How do you think the yard could be used for classes out of doors? 

•	Is there any litter in the yard?  Why? (What do you think can be done about it?)

•	Are any animals attracted to the litter? Can you identify them? Do you like them? (How can you attract species that you do like?)

•	Is there any wildlife? What have you seen? Where? (Would you like to attract more birds, insects and small mammals to your schoolyard?)

•	What do you think of the fences? How do they make you feel? (Can you think of ways to improve the look of the fences?)

•	Are there any painted pavement games? Do you use them? (Can you think of any other games – for example, snakes and ladders, tic tac toe, number and letter snakes, mazes, maps, magic circles, etc.?)

•	Are there any safe places for smaller children who might be knocked down by bigger kids? (How can safer spaces be created for little kids?)

•	How does the schoolyard make you feel? Why? (What can be done outside to make you feel better?)

After the brainstorming session, organize the responses into four main groups: Present Play Activities, General Comments, Green Spaces Wishlist and Sports Areas and Equipment Wishlist. This will help you compare the responses of different age groups, identify problem areas and determine the aspects of the schoolyard that are most important to the children.