Outdoor Learning
We explain what makes outdoor learning so important in child development
The value of outdoor play and learning should never be underestimated and children attending our setting have access to the outdoors throughout their sessions.
The Importance of Outdoor Learning
Why is outdoor learning important? We believe that, children are innately curious, driven learners who flourish if allowed to find out more about the world around them through all year-round outdoor play. Investigative, imaginative and inventive possibilities abound through a variety of natural materials providing authentic experiences.
This hands-on learning can use the whole body and mind through a variety of experiences and outdoor learning activities. Outdoor learning also nourishes opportunities for awe and wonder which allows each child to revisit their fascinations and consolidate their learning across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Our Outdoor Environment and Activities
Our outdoor area will be upgraded throughout the summer holidays and will incorporate a new bike track so that children can develop their gross motor skills, co-operative play and imaginative play safely.
We also provide a gardening area where we grow our own food. Over recent years we have grown potatoes, onions, peas, carrots, strawberries and even grew our own pumpkins to carve at Halloween. Children use the produce at snack time and have made coleslaw and potato salad. We also have our own grape vine giving children the opportunity to pick the fruit and share it with their friends at snack time.
We have a mud kitchen which is really popular with the children, where they can make their own potions and mud pies. We also have a large sand pit, a construction area, water play and a stage area as well as lots of sensory/messy play such as shaving foam, flour and gelli-bath.
Children use the produce they have grown and share it with their friends at snack time.
Awe, Wonder and Wellbeing
Time spent outdoors enables all children whatever their starting point to develop awe and wonder of the world around them. The possibilities of hiding in bushes, climbing up onto a tree trunk, feeding the birds, gardening, exploring mud, sand and water…. these are the activities that help to develop a child’s love of the natural world and nurtures their wellbeing.
This is why outdoor play and learning is so important for children in the early years!
Nurturing children’s wellbeing with activities that help to develop their love of the natural world.
We’d be more than happy to show you around our setting. Get in touch to arrange a visit.