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

Willow Lattice Arches and Panels

Jan 17, 2023 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces, Early Years Outdoors, Play Resources

One of the big surprises many years ago was the versatile way in which children chose to play with a pair of Cosy willow lattice arches. When I first saw these in a Derby nursery, I could see they were very open-ended. I was not surprised that the children used them...

Den Building

Sep 18, 2013 | Community Involvement, Play Resources, Technologies

What’s your idea of a den? I worked largely in tarmac playgrounds and school grounds which often had few trees suitable for den building. The dens I saw children build tended to be reliant on boxes, lattice tunnels and attached to fences or a line of rope tied...

The Black Suitcase

Dec 10, 2012 | Early Years Outdoors, Play Resources

The opportunity to transport objects, materials and people is something many children love. Many years ago, with one of my classes, most weeks we would end up taking a suitcase full of stuff to the wildlife garden. This was always exciting in itself and most weeks...

Blue tarp

Feb 20, 2011 | Early Years Outdoors, Play Resources

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...