We all know that getting outside for physical play and exploration is a learning through play winner for pre-schoolers (and all children and adults, in fact) but we also know that it’s not always possible to get outdoors for adventures every single day. That’s why bringing an element of nature into your classrooms and learning areas is also a great way to incorporate a calming, outdoorsy feel to your nursery, pre-school and home education spaces, and here’s a few ideas on how to do it…
Bring the outdoors indoors
When you are on your outdoor excursions get little ones to collect lots of natural materials to bring back to the classroom. Leaves, twigs, stones: it all makes for wonderful resources not only for art and craft activities, but to decorate your indoor spaces with and to use for loose parts play.
Use images of the natural world on the walls
Whether it’s posters, pop art, photos or your own pre-schooler’s creations, images of nature and the natural world on the walls help to create a calming environment and also become a great source for discussions around nature and how we can help our planet in our daily lives.
Make sure your bookshelves are packed with books on nature
Both fictional and non-fictional reads filled with stories and facts on the natural world are perfect for encouraging every child’s inner botanist, conservationist, eco-friendly warrior or animal carer, plus they’re fun and inspiring to use in story circle times.
Add Forest School lessons to your routine
While most Forest School activities are generally done outside, there are still plenty of fun adventures to have indoors too when it comes to making nature a part of the curriculum including:
Don’t forget to also take a look at our recent blog on The Benefits of Forest School and, if this is something you want to know more about for your own children, then get in touch today to find out more about our Treehouse Club Forest School settings, our outdoors-led curriculum and our holistic, learning through play ethos. You’ll find our Admissions Team at adventure@thetreehouseclub.co.uk plus we’re having a series of Open Days happening in the coming days, so do come and have a look at our settings for yourselves!
