Let’s go outside - the importance of outdoor play for young children’s development
The outdoors can be the most wonderful space to play and learn in the Early Years and beyond. Although it can be seen as an extension of the classroom, the outdoors holds enormous value.
Eco Friendly
A positive to come out of the time many of us had to stay at home during lockdown was the way in which we became more connected and tuned in to nature. Social media was flooded with images of vegetable plots, wildlife in the garden, blooming flowers, budding trees and food cooked with homegrown produce. Now that we find ourselves living with COVID, rather than post-COVID, it is a good time to refocus on our environment, not just at home but in settings and schools too.
The Wonder of Forest Schools: Connecting with Nature
Many settings and schools are now looking to Forest School as a way to enhance their outdoor provision and opportunities for children’s play and learning. However, it’s important to remember that Forest School is not merely outdoor learning. Both have distinct advantages for play, development and wellbeing but are not the same. Forest School is an approach to engaging with the outdoors, led by a trained Forest School leader. Its ethos is built on the holistic experience of the child, led by the child, for the child.
Nature Nurtures: Help Pupils Connect To The Planet During Covid-19
It’s simple: being in nature makes us feel better. And under Covid-19, that’s more important than ever for our students. From planting a tin of herbs to becoming an endorsed Forest School, every school can do something to get pupils outside and happy.
The benefits of open-ended play
“What a difference there is between playthings that leave as much
as possible to the power of imagination and giving finished toys that
leave nothing for the child’s own inner activity”. - Rudolf Steiner
Creating a Smooth and Happy Transition in the Early Years During COVID-19
Transition to nursery, reception or Year 1 can prove challenging for all involved at the best of times, let alone during an unforeseen pandemic! COVID-19 has bought many challenges, but many of us are now starting to think about September: How can we welcome new starters or returning children back to our setting, in a way that is supportive to their well-being? We know that the way in which first transitions are handled can have a serious impact on a child’s future ability to cope with change, both in the short and long term – so it’s important to get it right whilst trying our best to keep them safe.
Active Outdoors
With many children still at home having not returned to Early Years settings and schools, it’s a good time to reflect on how children can still be experiencing play and learning away from formal education or childcare...
Inspiring Awe and Wonder in the Early Years
With the new Ofsted inspection handbook being published last year came the increased focus on awe and wonder in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
'It is the role of the setting to help children experience the awe and wonder of the world in which they live, through the seven areas of learning.' (Ofsted, 2019)
The Great Outdoors: The Importance of the 'Outside' in Early Years Development
The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky.'
Margaret McMillan.
In this blog post, we'll be thinking about the outdoor environment and its capacity for promoting learning and development within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The outside is a completely different entity from the indoor environment in every respect. It should not be a replication of the indoors as it can be a powerful learning space in its own right. The ever-changing environment opens up a wealth of possibilities for children and adults to experience, explore and investigate together. It's less restricted than the four walls which enclose indoor play so the power of the outdoor environment is huge!