“In nature, children learn to take risks, overcome fears, make new friends, regulate emotions, and create imaginary worlds.”
―
I have worked in a number of different locations over the years and some of these have been rural schools set in between farm land in North Yorkshire, to city centre locations and those in the middle of dense housing estates. Each setting has brought it's own benefits and challenges. In one particular school I worked in the EYFS area was a concrete zone that had been fenced off from the rest of the school playground. It had no natural elements and we had to work hard to bring these in. Some of the ways we were able to do this in the space was:
Pebbles
Such a simple and open ended resource that can be used in so many different ways. From pattern making, lifting and comparing weight, filling buckets with, painting and using as props in the play.
Water
We explored water in buckets, jerry cans, in mirrored tuff trays and with drain pipes.
Raised Beds
We planted flowers like nasturtium into a raised bed and added rocks and ferns to create a natural scene for the small world outdoors.
As we lacked nature that was beautiful we got a plant pot and some bamboo canes and grew sweet peas up these. We also used some reclaimed tyres, filled these with soil and planted spring bulbs.
We managed to get some inexpensive potato growing sacks to grow our own in!
Crates
We used crates to grow our strawberries up in the summer. We also lined these with a mesh and grew carrots in them.
Maths Shack
We set up an empty shed with natural brash arranged in baskets that could be used to support early maths development as well as loose parts play. Items which could be naturally collected like: conkers, twigs, dried grass, seed heads and pine cones.
Woodland Kitchen
A woodland kitchen was set up using some crates with a plank of wood over the top. The children could then use pots, pans and utensils to make up their own nature inspired recipes using mud and natural objects gathered on walks.
Finding Nature
I know that not all of you will have the luxury of a piece of space outdoors (concrete or not) that you can call your own. I want to share with you now some examples of how you can still build nature into your practice.
For more ideas of getting outside into nature why not attend our Hygge in the Early Years Autumn Conference. Tickets start at £10 and we will be looking at the them of Sparking curiosity outdoors!
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