A guest post by Connor – a Nature Premium youth ambassador. Tiptoeing out of a pandemic, we all know now just how valuable time in nature is for our physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Although we now have a greater sense of freedom, access to nature and playing outdoors is still limited and not equally accessible. This inaccessibility is especially true for our children and those of disadvantaged and marginalised communities. However, a Nature Premium could see this change. I was lucky to have somewhat of a nature premium growing up. My mum and grandparents passed on old wildlife and natural history books, I would watch documentaries and go to zoos, aquariums, farms, and green and blue spaces in and … Read More
Forest Kindergarten – by Marina Robb
Forest Kindergarten Children are by nature curious and playful. There is a reason for that. Self-directed exploration and play are how they learn. Children were designed by nature to educate themselves by playing and exploring. The launch of the new Forest Kindergarten Level 3 Training is a welcomed and exciting moment. Although there are many opportunities to learn how to bring the benefits of the outdoors to the early years, this training has been crafted by early years professionals, with a vast range of nature-based experience. It is aimed to provide inclusive and accessible results so that children from urban or more rural settings can explore and enjoy local nature play in their communities. This Level 3 training … Read More
Rainbow Maths Sticks – Guest Blog from Creative Star Learning
If you haven’t come across Creative Star Learning, then it is a definite to add to your blog list. It is hosted by the lovely Juliet Robertson who has some brilliant ideas for outdoor learning and play. I asked her if she would share a post on my blog. I am pleased to say she said ‘yes’! So, here it is. Thank you Juliet! The mathematical potential of a stick never ceases to amaze me. Here’s my latest idea which is remarkably simple and came about owing to overhearing someone mention colour coding. You get some sticks. You paint the ends different colours. You play with them. You explore the potential for maths. That’s it. Experiment! Now if you have … Read More
Scorpions In Your Sand Tray and other Outdoor Play!
This February half term I was lucky enough to be invited to go out to Brunei and work with the team at Hornbill School. The school caters for both Nepali children of Gurkha soldiers and children of serving British military and civilian MOD personnel. It has over 480 children from 3 – 11 years of age. Usually the school has around 85-90% of children with English as an additional language (EAL), with high mobility as a result of unit moves and redeployment. So not without it’s challenges! Having said that they were judged ‘Outstanding’ at their last inspection. I was working with the Senior Management Team and the Early Years Department doing a mixture of observation, action planning, data analysis, … Read More