THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR PLAY AND LEARNING

Within a nursery environment, one of the most important aspects is for the children to have access to outdoor play and fresh air.  Here at Ladybird, we have had specially created gardens which cater to the age range of our children and are fully equipped and secure.

The idea behind outdoor play is that we are able to take the classroom curriculum outside.  The garden area allows children to exercise, and gain confidence with their balance and co-ordination.  They are able to develop skills in interaction and negotiation and be encouraged to use their imaginations.  For example, leaves and twigs can be used in role play context as perhaps a tool or other objects.

Chalk can be used on walls for mark making, and sand/water for small world play and learning about estimation, volume and capacity.

When given the freedom to move, children will flourish, make new relationships, be allowed to take reasonable risks, explore, ask questions and handle wildlife and plants.

We promote organic gardening here at Ladybird.  The children have planted potatoes, beans, and herbs from seed and have watched them grow.

There have been all weather spaces created to maximise the children’s access to the outdoors in all weathers.

• PROBLEM SOLVING, LITERACY AND NUMERACY
  Hopscotch
  Outdoor puzzles
  Water play
   

• PHYSICAL
  Cars / bikes / climbing frames, balancing / co-ordination.
   

• PERSONAL SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL
  Interaction
  Sharing and negotiation
  Gaining confidence
   

• CREATIVE
  Music stand
  Dress ups/role play
   

• KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
  Gardening and planting
  Wildlife and nature
  Weather