This month we are building and exploring an outdoor classroom with children. Using the below plan you can see how learning opportunities develop from this simple group goal. The color codes help relate each idea to the Early Years Learning Framework. Educators will not only be planting seeds and growing vegitables but learning how to build, tender plants and care for their environment. With spring waking up the animals and plants we can explore our natural world and learn the names of plants, flowers and animals. Using the plan below educators will find inspiration for language and literacy, creative arts, maths and technology, movement and natural investigation.

Ignite Minds has included some suggestions and tutorial videos to help extend childrens interest and abilities in the outdoor classroom. Educators are encouraged to think outside the box and to adjust the plans to meet the individual interests and abilities of the children in their care.

Please see the below video showcasing what is taking place in Ignite Minds 'Giggle and Learn Family Day Care'

Listen to our podcast on the importance of outdoor classrooms.

Program Plan

Learning Theme - Building an outdoor classroom

Making Paper pots and planting seeds

Here is a brief turorial on how to make paper pots and plant seedlings with children. The benefit of paper pots is that they provide a safe envoronment for the roots to develop and the entire pot can be transplanted into the ground whereby the paper will disolve into the ground.

Materials used in this tutorial

Going on a scavanger hunt and making fossils

The below video demonstrates a simple and fun activity of making fossils. Children are encouraged to go on a nature walk and collect many objects, leaves, sticks, twigs, feathers and stones - assist children to find objects with patturns and textures. Children can then roll them out into clay.

Materials in this video: