Using local materials and features in your playspace
A few weeks ago I blogged about a presentation given by Rusty Keeler. I’m still reflecting on the ideas he suggested, in particular relating to the cultural traditions and heritage of a local area and thinking about this in relation to the school grounds and...Make your own outdoor seats
Outdoor seats are a necessity in most Scottish schools. To begin with, there are lots of wet surfaces owing to current or recent rain. Sitting on wet grass, tarmac or benches is unpleasant and often used as an excuse for not working outside. This “bag” is...A rope trail for everyone
Today I was working in a school that wanted me to do quick outdoor challenges with all its classes as part of its activity week. This gave me an opportunity to try out an idea that many play workers frequently give me on courses: a rope trail. This is not something I...More Masking Tape
Every piece of masking tape tells a story. From where it first came off the roll, how long it was made, where it was stuck, how it was gathered and where it came to rest. Most importantly it is the story of play with creativity, exploration, investigation and...The Magic of Masking Tape
Generally I’m quite tight with my money. I don’t like buying stuff that rapidly disappears. I go for longevity and robustness. So my love affair with masking tape is an exception to this self-imposed rule. Masking tape is amazing. For a strip of sticky...Big Rope Play
The use of a big old climbing rope was an experiment for me. Just over a year ago I thought I would see what would happen if pre-school children started playing with a rope. The health and safety paranoid queen that lurks within me catastrophised like crazy…...Guttering in Pre-school
Over the past few years, I have come to favour certain items for outdoor play. Guttering ranks highly for many reasons. Some children get completely absorbed in the exploration of the possibilities. As the possibilities are endless, then so is the exploration and so...Blue tarp
I’m wondering if it is possible to buy blue tarp in most countries world-wide. This universal plastic weave sheet must be a ubiquitous necessity in all pre-schools that value outdoor play. One key reason for being outside is that it’s possible to play on a...Sea Glass
Ever since childhood I have been an occasional collector of sea glass when going for beach walks. Some beaches are better than others. I rarely find a piece on the NE coast of Scotland. But further north, along the Moray Coast and on the south-west coast I have more...
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Recent Posts
Story Stones and Thinking SkillsA little stone can give a lot of empowerment in a funny sort of way.
Outdoor Toilets and ChildrenWhen children need to go they need to go!
Hand hygiene outdoorsRemoving one of the barriers to working outside with groups.
12 reasons to have stumps in your outdoor spaceStumped for ideas? Check out this blog post about why every school needs a stump or several!
Dunblane Nature Kindergarten – A transformation from traditional to nature-based practiceFantastic example of positive impact of nature-based practice.
Legacy and LossWhat’s your professional and personal impact?
Education Scotland Outdoor Learning Webinars FREE to viewLots of free outdoor learning webinars all in one place from Education Scotland
Out to Play 12: Caring for Our Outdoor SpacesJust published. Time-saving links and a download.
Compass Points – Outdoor Suggestions15+ ways to learn about compass directions – all in a download.
7 Conker Games and AdviceEvery school needs a conker tree
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- @SunnysideSA @satrust_ @30DaysWild @Muddyfaces @cosydirect @NottsOutdoors Great fun! I think I first saw this and t… https://t.co/w0Suo1j78g
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