Outdoor Learning and Play

The introduction of loose parts to a setting can inspire a whole host of learning and play possibilities. As loose parts are open ended, they offer children the freedom of expression and the ability to be creative. There is no right or wrong way to play! If we refrain from applying learning outcomes and restrictions on the play, children can...

Den building can be so much fun, for adults as well as children. This holds value in its own right - we want children to experience activities which excite and motivate them. What is so great about den play though is the influence it can have on all areas of development. However, for this blog, we will just be focusing...

Have you heard of International Mud Day? This year International Mud Day will be held on the 29th of June. It is a perfect opportunity for children and adults to get down in the mud and have a great time. But, did you know, that this celebration has a deeper meaning to address world problems like lack of access to...

A Mud Kitchen is a must in an early years setting. Children love to create their own dishes with natural treasures, such as mud, flowers, herbs, stones and sticks. Add recipe cards and create an area where children can be engaged and involved in their play for a long period of time. With an array of mud kitchens to choose...

Water play can be immensely fun for children, and at the same time has a tremendous impact on communication and language development. We know that the focus on this area of development is particularly important following the publication of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). When children play with water, it is very much a social experience - just...

In recent years, outdoor play and adventures has become a priority for many families! We have all learned why... Being in nature and the great outdoors is great for our health, wellbeing and for connecting with this beautiful planet we all call home.  Here are 5 simple activities that you can do with your child in the great outdoors, perhaps...

We know that reading helps pupils to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually and socially. We also know that phonics is a key element in helping children to become successful readers. Phonics is a method that helps children decode words using phonemes. Before we get to the fun part, let’s cover some basic terminology. Phonics outdoors Phonics - Phonics teaches children to listen...

Bamboo is used to make a huge range of products these days from toothbrushes to textiles and our popular bamboo resources such as water chutes and channeling, sorting trays and counting pots. But how sustainable is Bamboo? It can be harvested in 3 years so is relatively fast-growing compared to trees which can be from 10-20 years. This makes it...

The scope for Physical Development has changed considerably in recent times - no longer meaning football for boys and netball for girls. This aspect of physical education is now much more diverse and inclusive, incorporating a range of activities, resources and opportunities. We are losing the stereotypes, opening up the sports experience to many more children. @homeplaylearn We better understand...

Children love construction play. As they play, they are building a myriad of skills which feed into all areas of learning and development in the EYFS. Construction play, however, should never be limited just to the EYFS - it can be fantastic in Key Stage 1, and beyond! @the_playful_expert What do we mean by 'construction play'? The term is very...