Posts tagged 'Outdoors Play'

In my opinion, summer holidays are a bit like marmite, some people really look forward to them, and for some, it fills them with dread. Simple projects and activities are the best way to keep children engaged and entertained, and summer is the best time to think ‘Keep it Simple’.

As the temperature is beginning to increase, it’s the perfect time to put down the technology screens and encourage outdoor play. Outdoor play is vital for children as it prompts physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.

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.  

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!

As the warmer weather settles in many early years settings and schools review their provision for outdoor play. Playing outdoors is a great way for babies and children to have first-hand experience of the weather, the seasons and the natural world. This supports their learning and development, their wellbeing and their physical and mental health.