Hand hygiene outdoors
Important note: The aim of this post is to clarify some of the terms used and to help practitioners create their own routines and procedures. However, always seek guidance from your regulatory bodies, local authority and environmental health officer in the first...12 reasons to have stumps in your outdoor space
Many years ago, I was visiting Meethill School in Peterhead to do some twilight training. One of my favourite features were the stumps in the photo below. This blog post provides some thinking about why stumps are such valuable play resources. 1. A miniature fantasy...Dunblane Nature Kindergarten – A transformation from traditional to nature-based practice
Several years ago, I spent a day at Dunblane Nature Kindergarten. It was an opportunity to share thinking and enjoy celebrating the journey of this childcare setting that values nature pedagogy and all that this encompasses. This blog post captures a process of change...Legacy and Loss
On 1st January 2024 an amazing person died. Diane Kashin was an early childhood educator who reached out to others worldwide to make the future for all children more hopeful and positive. She wrote a blog with post after post of supportive and reflective thoughts for...Out to Play 12: Caring for Our Outdoor Spaces
Today, the Early Learning and Childcare Directorate published Caring for Our Outdoor Spaces as part of their Out to Play series. This is a hefty document that is not designed to be read from cover-to-cover but to dip into as needed. In order to save practitioners...How to make a felt outdoor seat
In 2001, on a Comenius outdoor learning course in Sweden, I had the opportunity to try felting. It was a disaster. I managed to dye my wool using fresh young birch leaves and carded it reasonably well. But the felting process was my failing. I returned home, my...Dandelion Play – 12+ Outdoor Ideas For All Ages
At this time of year, wildflowers are beginning to bloom, one of the best of which has to be the dandelion. It is a sure sign that the soil is warming up and spring has arrived. So enjoy some playful explorations for all ages. 1. Enabling children to pick dandelions...An Outdoor Memory Game
At the International Skogsmulle Symposium in Japan there was an afternoon of playing games and undertaking practical activities such as making things with bamboo. This very simple memory game was featured and this is how it is played… Firstly you prepare your...Nettle Soup
The one activity my son remembers from his nursery days was making nettle soup. He recalls the excitement of wearing tough gloves and not believing he wouldn’t be stung in the mouth when he ate the soup. Spring is the time of year for making nettle soup. Young...10+ Simple Resources for Outdoor Learning You Can Make With Your Class
Most schools are feeling the pinch in terms of having money to spend on resources and equipment. Thankfully, working outside does not have to rely on expensive kits. Here’s a selection you can make from cardboard, paper and other easily available materials. Your...The Joy of a Pocket-sized Cotton Ten Frame
Ten frames have has a surge in popularity in recent years as greater awareness grows about the need for children to have time exploring maths concepts using concrete materials. Thinking, reasoning and realising the patterns that objects make which can be linked to our...Kate Greenaway Nursery – A Special Place for Special People
Many years ago, I had the privilege of participating in the London Open for Play event thanks to Tim Gill. The first place we visited was the Kate Greenaway Nursery. Of all the outdoor spaces I have visited, this one remains memorable owing to the thought and effort...A Naturalised Outdoor Space for Babies
Whilst there is a trend towards naturalising outdoor spaces, as a general rule, there are less good examples around that have been developed for babies. This post is about an area specifically designed for children under the age of 2. Ideally, outdoor play spaces...10+ inspirational mirror placements in outdoor spaces
I love being able to visit to Highway Farm Little Explorers Outdoor Nursery. Each time I have been, the place continues to involve in creative ways which are well worth sharing. The placement and quantities of mirrors around the site really caught my attention one...The Joy of a Slide
Slides really mattered to me as a child. When I visited a playground, testing out the slide was always par for the course. A good slide was sublime. A poor slide affected my perception of the whole play park. Factors which affected my judgement included: Length of the...Nets for Outdoor Play, Display and Learning
Nets are a forgotten resource that have tremendous value in education and play settings. Here’s a few examples to show you why Firstly, remember the fun to be had, clambering under a cargo net as part of home-made assault courses? Simply pegging a net to the...Wooden Cable Drums – Developing Physical and Literacy Skills Outside
One repurposed resource which withstands a lot of wear and tear is the cable reel or drum that is used to store electrical wires. They are very flexible pieces of outdoor “furniture” which are worth seeking out in your local area. With sanding and...Outdoor Weaving Inspiration
Weaving is an art form which lends itself remarkably well to an outdoor context. The opportunity to weave using natural materials or artificial materials on a bigger scale to indoors is exciting. There is freedom and space to behold! Big impromptu weaving moments are...10+ Useful Little Bits and Pieces to Support Loose Parts Play
Many years ago years ago, I started blogging about accessories that make a difference to facilitating learning and play outdoors. I was participating in a twilight workshop and one of the participants made a sage comment along the lines of being perfectly comfortable...
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Recent Posts
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
How to make a felt outdoor seatA warm, colourful and sustainable approach to portable seats for outdoor use.
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