outdoor play

Are you a green-fingered garden lover, or more inclined to put your feet up on the deck? We’re a bit of both at Cosy, but we know well that getting out and growing things in the garden is such a wonderful activity. Benefits of gardening with little ones are varied, from observing change over time and the sensory fun that...

Getting outdoors to explore nature is a vital part of early years education, and childhood as a whole. A well-planned learning environment, indoors and outside, is an important aspect of pedagogy. It can be as simple as grabbing your wellies and going on a bug hunt. Renowned educator Charlotte Mason shares that you should ‘never be indoors when you could...

The outdoor environment can hold tremendous value when it comes to inspiring mathematical play and learning.  There is a whole world of possibilities, free from the confines of the classroom.  In the outdoors, children have greater opportunity to play on a bigger, messier and noisier scale, making it a place where we can encourage future mathematicians. However, it’s important to...

We know that some of you only have small outdoor spaces, whether that be at school, in a nursery or childcare setting, home garden, childminding or pack away group setting. Here we give multi-functional ideas for small outdoor spaces that are totally adaptable, multi-functional resource ideas for a range of activities. Shedlets Perfect for the space-hungry setting, to house all...

Autumn is a lovely time to read to children and talk about nature. There is so much to learn about the seasons and the very visible changes that occur all around us. We know that so many of you use books in your setups and we get tagged in so many wonderful ideas that we felt it would be great...

Outdoor play quotes help us to feel inspired to get our children outdoors, in nature. For them to feel empowered and close to nature, they help us to feel deeply about our values and our place in nature. Outdoor play quotes for children, parents and educationalists: 'If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.' Vincent Van Gogh. 'Mother...

It might be cold, damp and grey but the outdoors in winter can be an inspiring place to play and learn.  Winter offers us new experiences which are in stark contrast to spring, summer and autumn.  The change of season enables us as educators to empower children to be adventurous, explore and discover and ignite their innate drive to be...

Inspire children to get outdoors and let their imaginations fly in a mud kitchen. Cafe's shops, bakeries, Pizza station, Ice Cream Cart. Children develop their gross motor skills through large mixing and stirring movements, mashing with pestle and mortars and in our giant masher and perfect their fine motor skills as they take a pinch of herbs, grass or leaves...

Art and Creative Expression helps the development of children’s imagination, creativity and their ability to use and explore different media and materials. Outdoor art activities encourage children to explore with nature. “Art is as natural as sunshine and as vital as nourishment.” MaryAnn Kohl Art includes a wide range of activities. From exploring colours, textures, making music, singing songs, to...

Play in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) can involve mess – whether that’s mud, paint, glue or baking ingredients.  Sometimes, just the term ‘mess’ and conjure up negative images of this type of play, making it seem chaotic and out of control.  However, the truth is that mess can be a sensory, hands on, practical experience.  It holds immense...