It’s fair to say that the current times have taught us a lot of things and just one of those is that it’s important, more now than ever that we make the most of our outside spaces at school and at home. As an added bonus, if we’re able to get creative within our outside space, it will have a positive impact on our children’s (and our own) mental health as well as a it being a great learning tool and … Continue reading
Last year was an amazing year. Children across the UK, and the world, went on strike to promote protecting the planet. But this isn’t always inherent. Research in America, completed by the University of Chicago found that children under 11 tend to prefer urban environments more than they do the outdoors. This does change as children get older, and was seen in the study as the children got older they preferred natural scenes more. But another study in the UK … Continue reading
There are many benefits for playing outside, whatever the weather. But that doesn’t mean that you can be outside all the time. December, January and February can sometimes be challenging times for outside play, not least because the rain can make outside areas slippery. Yet that doesn’t mean your outside area is completely redundant. In fact, you can take items from the outside and bring them into you classroom to continue outside learning even during these wet, cold winter months. … Continue reading
With the weather becoming wetter throughout the country, outside time is becoming less attractive to small children. It’s cold, wet, and at times we put less toys outside to play with because of the risk. However, there are reasons why you should encourage more outside play. Different Textures Playing outside during wet, rainy weather is completely different to play when it’s hot and sunny. These different experiences can help with learning co-ordination and sensory development. Different textures can also be … Continue reading
Risky play offers lots of benefits for your children. It helps them gain awareness of their physical and emotional limits and allows them to develop coordination and self-esteem. However, many don’t like risky play because of the perceived dangers. Yet with some proactive precautions, risky play shouldn’t be dangerous. To help you with risky play, here are five steps to make it more successful. Share Concerns Among Staff All members of staff in your setting need to be involved in … Continue reading
This week was the official start of spring, and this is one of the best times of the year for outdoor learning. Not only are outdoor areas starting to get more colour, the improved weather makes it easier to plan learning activities for outside. There are several options for you to create excellent, fun and educational experiences this spring. Here are a few of our favourite ideas for you to consider. A Fairy Garden Little children love fairies, trolls and … Continue reading
The outdoors is abundant in learning opportunities. Some of these opportunities are so common that they pass us by. However, for children, the outdoors is one of the greatest sources of learning, both about the world around them and for developing their senses, awareness, speech and social skills. Consider any outdoor space, this could be a park, wood, beach or an outdoor space in your setting. There are lots of resources in those areas that children can interact with and … Continue reading
When trying to develop young minds, there are many tools available. However, there seems to be a current drive to use technology to inspire and teach. This might be great at times, but there’s still lots of learning and fun that can be achieved through small, lower cost items. Loose Parts are an excellent tool for learning and are great fun for children. The best part is that they aren’t just for one use. Loose Parts can be used in … Continue reading
There is no hiding the fact that an outdoor space at any early years location is a great asset. Children love being outside, whether they are finding bugs hiding in the undergrowth, or pretending to be a superhero. Their play and learning outside is stimulating and memorable. The outdoors can be used in many ways to improve the sensory learning of your children. Here are a few outside activities they can engage in and what you can do to enhance … Continue reading
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