Autumn | Creative STAR Learning | I'm a teacher, get me OUTSIDE here!

7 Conker Games and Advice

Sep 3, 2023 | Nature Play & Learning

Around my home town, there are some horse chestnut trees which always have a good supply of conkers. They are a much sought after fruit with children looking for and commenting on the availability of the conkers. I now plot some of my walks to pass these trees at this...

Leaf Play – 10 Ideas

Oct 30, 2022 | Early Years Outdoors, Nature Play & Learning

Autumn is here and leaves are asking to be played with. Hours of fun can be had simply kicking leaves about and watching them float to the ground. Here’s some other ideas most of which are instantaneous and require no other or just a few props. 1. Creep and...

Leaf roses

Oct 29, 2022 | Nature Play & Learning

Several years ago when I was working in the Czech Republic I was given a leaf rose at one environmental education centre. It was very pretty and I took a photo to remind me to have a go at making them. Whilst touring Australia, I spent a lovely morning at the Spirit...

Thinking Skills and Leaves

Oct 26, 2022 | Nature Play & Learning

Autumn is well and truly here, so once more, leaf activities are a must-do with children at the moment. As with so many natural materials, the non-uniformity of leaves – each one being unique – this can lead to a lot of creative thinking, exploring and...

Exploding Leaves

Oct 25, 2022 | Art & Music Outdoors, Early Years Outdoors, Nature Play & Learning

Some children find explosions a source of fascination or interest. Not least, the story of Guy Fawkes always held appeal for me. The whole idea of attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament I found thought-provoking as a child. Many anarchists argue that he was...