Make every day Outdoor Classroom Day
Outdoor Classroom Day is a global movement to encourage spending time outdoors, part of every child’s day. On two days of action each year, teachers and educators take children outdoors to play and learn. Encouraging outdoor play is fundamental in helping young children develop motor skills, social interactions, and an appreciation for the environment.
When you take learning outside amongst nature it engages and inspires children in remarkable ways, so why not make Outdoor Classroom Day every day?
Here are some great activities to consider for Outdoor Classroom Day and beyond!
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of natural items for children to find, such leaves of different shapes, or certain coloured rocks. This activity promotes observation skills and a closer connection to nature. Tailor the list to suit the age group and the natural resources available in your outdoor environment or nearby area. Level-up your scavenger hunt by handing out these great little Natural Shape Viewers – a fun way for children to find what they’re looking for.
Mud Kitchen
Transform a corner of your early learning centre’s garden into a mud kitchen. Provide bowls, spoons, pots, and pans for children to ‘cook’ with. Mud kitchens promote sensory play, creativity, and can be a wonderful way for children to engage in imaginative role-play scenarios. You could add this set of utensils into your mud kitchen, which are also great for sand and water play.
Story Time under the Sky
Take the class outside for a story-telling session under a big tree or in an open field. Choose stories related to nature or animals to enhance their connection with the environment. This activity enriches their imagination and makes for a captivating literacy session in a fresh setting.
Outdoor Messy Art
Encourage creativity by offering natural art materials for children to explore. Children can use leaves, sticks, stones, and flowers to create pictures or collages. Make DIY paint brushes using sticks and leaves. Why not make paint using mud? Mix water and mud together to form the perfect consistency to paint with.
Insect Exploration
Capture the children’s curiosity by organising an insect exploration activity. Supply magnifying glasses and guide them to gently observe butterflies, ants, or beetles. Discuss the role each insect plays in the ecosystem, promoting scientific curiosity and respect for all living creatures. The Let’s Learn About Insects Big Book is a great conversation and activity starter.
Nature Obstacle Course
Design an obstacle course using natural elements like logs, sticks and rocks. Encourage children to navigate through the course by crawling, jumping, and balancing. This helps to enhance their motor skills, coordination, and confidence in trying new physical activities.
If you don’t have access to natural resources, you can explore our range of outdoor balance and gross motor equipment here.
Take all learning outdoors!
Whether it’s story time, counting or even learning letter recognition, all learning can be taken outdoors. Here are some of our NEW learning resources that are suitable for the great outdoors!
Story Stones – The Three Little Pigs
Redwood Outdoor Double-sided Easel
While Outdoor Classroom Day is a time to highlight the importance of outdoor play and learning, you can do these activities any day of the year. Embrace the outdoors, discover new things and support the children in your early learning centre to make many valuable memories out in nature!
Sign up for Outdoor Classroom Day here.
