Let's LEARN in Nature!
Unstructured outdoor play remains an absolute cornerstone of a healthy preschool experience. There's nothing quite like the freedom of fresh air and open space to nurture a child's development.
Beyond the obvious physical benefits of sunshine and exercise (increasing activity levels, boosting your immune system, and improving sleep), unstructured play allows preschoolers to explore their world at their own pace. They can climb, run, jump, and build forts, all the while fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills. This free exploration also provides a platform for social development. The unpredictable nature of the outdoors allows for spontaneous moments of discovery and collaboration. Children learn to explore, negotiate, share, and cooperate as they create their own games and interact with each other and the world around them. Reflect on your schedule. Are children getting ample time outdoors for unstructured outdoor play? This is an invaluable form of LEARNING!
Reflect on Your Outdoor Learning Space
Here are some recommendations for ways to enhance your outdoor learning environment, according to the North American Association for Environmental Education:
Gross Motor Space: Space for both climbing and using wheeled toys.
Outdoor Learning Stations: Dramatic play area, gardening, building, loose parts station.
Natural Features: Variety of trees, shrubs, flowering plants, mulch, grass, pebbles, bird feeders, bird houses, slopes, mounds, smooth rocks, logs, etc.
Ample Time: A MINIMUM of 30 minutes outdoor per 3 hours of school.
Structured Learning Space: A clear, shaded area where lessons can take place.
Have Your Considered Structured Outdoor Learning?
We have clearly determined that children need AMPLE time for unstructured learning in nature, but have your considered intentionally designing learning environments in nature? Research shows that learning in nature can significantly enhance cognitive development. Studies have shown that exposure to nature improves focus and attention, particularly for children with ADHD. Also, a nature-based curriculum that incorporates activities that use natural items as part of the learning (like sorting leaves by size, counting seeds, or observing insect behavior) can foster critical thinking skills and scientific inquiry. By integrating nature into the classroom routine, teachers can create a stimulating environment that goes beyond traditional textbooks, promoting not only physical activity but also a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Literacy-Themed Structured Outdoor Learning Activities!
Sound Scavenger Hunt: Write a list of letters on a piece of paper. Go on a walk and look for objects that begin with the letters on your paper. For example: l = leaf. Put a check next to the letters that you find!
Stick Letters: Head out on a hike and collect sticks along the way. When you return, use the sticks to create letters of the alphabet. SEE THIS IN ACTION HERE!
Move Like A…: Observe the sight and sounds around you outside. Make the sounds and motions of the things that you hear. Spot a bird? Flap your wings. Hear a car? Mimic the sounds it makes.
Cloud Stories: Lie down on a grassy spot and gaze at the clouds. Take turns creating stories about the shapes you see. Are they fluffy sheep? A giant dinosaur? Encourage descriptive language and imagination.
Nature Collage: Collect small treasures from the outdoors, grab scissors and glue, and create a masterpiece! Write a card and give your creation to a friend!
Outdoor Reading: Enjoy some quiet time with a box of your favorite books for the children to explore on towels and blankets!
A-Z Photobook: Snap pictures of children with specific objects that represent letters A-Z of the alphabet. Print the photos and create an alphabet book. Ex: L - leaf, R-rabbit
I Spy: Play "I Spy" games with rhyming words, syllables, or beginning sounds. "I spy an object that has 2 syllables and begins with a P....pinecone!".
Here is a list of ways to bring structured learning outdoors
across the curriculum! DOWNLOAD BELOW!
What If I Don't Live in an Area Suitable for Outdoor Play?
Not all preschools are located in areas that make outdoor play a possibility. Here are a few ideas for bring the outdoors inside!
Nature Collections: Collect natural materials like pinecones, smooth stones, colorful leaves, or interesting seed pods. Let children explore the textures, shapes, and colors through play, and use them in structured learning.
Compost Bin: Create a small worm compost bin inside using newspaper and a plastic bin! CLICK HERE to learn how!
Scented Discovery Bottles: Fill clear bottles with water and add safe, nature-inspired scents like lavender oil for flowers or cinnamon for fall leaves. Let children explore the scents and guess what they are.
Window Wonderland: Decorate a classroom window with nature scenes using removable window clings or contact paper. Add details like paper birds or butterflies for a 3D effect.
Nature Collage Art: Collect small treasures from the outdoors, grab scissors and glue, and create a masterpiece! Write a card and give your creation to a friend!
Plant Power: Grow a small herb garden in a sunny windowsill. Let children help with watering and discuss the life cycle of plants. You can even use the herbs for a sensory activity by letting them smell them.
Nature Soundscape: Play recordings of nature sounds like birds chirping, waves crashing, or rain falling. Have children close their eyes and imagine the scene based on the sounds.
Nature Story Time: Read children's books about nature and discuss the plants and animals featured. Act out the stories or create simple crafts related to the books.
Nature Rubbings: Place leaves or textured bark under a piece of paper and have children use crayons to create rubbings, capturing the natural textures.
Ages 1-3:
Birds, Bugs, Rocks by Nature Babies
First 100 Nature Words Nature by Priddy Books
Babies in the Forest by Ginger Swift
ABCs of Nature by Carmine Falcone
Ages 3-5:
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston
An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston
Yucky Worms by Vivian French
Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel
Hustle Bustle Bugs by Catherine Bailey
Please Please the Bees by Gerald Kelley
Tap the Magic Tree by Chrstine Matheson
Let's embrace the wonderful outdoors! Happy Learning!
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We believe that every child deserves a bright future, and this begins with a strong foundation in early literacy skills. At Moving Little Minds, we are dedicated to providing research-based literacy activities in fun and engaging ways! By merging instruction with play, we ensure that children are reaching their full potential and embark on their educational journey well-prepared for the future! Let's build those KEY emergent literacy skills together.
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