Outdoor Learning in Early Childhood

In today’s age of technology, electronics, and media saturation, it has become more important than ever to bring learning into the outdoor space. Being able to slow down, unplug, and literally touch grass is invaluable to not only our littlest learners, but ourselves as educators. To help us achieve those goals, we often hold nature trainings at the Wildflower Child & Family Center. We get lots of insight on how to incorporate outdoor learning into early childhood program.

Here are some ideas of how to grow outdoor learning in your program, whether you have a small garden area or acres of land to explore and utilize:

• nature scavenger hunt — can you find a leaf, something that starts with F, a rock, something brown, etc. It improves their observation skills and connects all different types of learning to nature.

• bringing indoor play outdoors — dolls, balls, books, and dancing scarves can all be taken outside for a different learning experience. Imagine a child’s first time reading a book while nestled under a tree!

• sensory play in an outdoor space — between dirt, sand, mud, snow, hay, dried leaves, pine cones, or flower petals, you could have a variety of sensory experiences using nature materials. Just make sure the children have the correct attire and you’re ready to assist with cleanup afterward.

• sidewalk chalk — even with a non-natural canvas like concrete or asphalt, you can incorporate outdoor play by letting the children decorate the sidewalk, parking lot, or brick building exterior with sidewalk chalk creations. The beauty of it is that it can be washed away easily and a blank slate is ready for the next time.

If you’re interested in participating in one of our nature trainings, please check out our listing of upcoming workshops!