For inset day this September, we provided professional development training at Edge Hill University, Liverpool, attended by teachers and professionals working in Early Years at local schools. We were asked to provide ideas for Outdoor and Creative Play throughout the seasons, with a focus on Literacy Outdoors.

There are so many ways to engage in creative construction indoors and outdoors across the seasons!

Construction play allows for exploration of the properties of materials; surfaces and textures, shape, size and colour, weight and density. As they build, sculpt, balance, connect and weave structures vertically, horizontally and on a variety of scales, children learn to make sense of the physical world around them through practical experimentation and play.

In this post we will look some examples of creative construction and show how it is not confined to just one designated area of a setting, but will happen naturally on a regular basis when children (and adults!) are given time, space and open ended resources to explore…

My partner Paddy and I decided in 2021 that it was time to tie the knot and finally had our wedding day on 20th May this year. When planning, we decided that we wanted a small, intimate celebration with just our immediate family and close friends attending. We both love being outdoors and exploring North Wales and so we decided that an outdoor venue by the sea would be perfect. We wanted a natural, relaxed feel for the day. I prepared and created outdoor and indoor decorations, bouquets, flower crowns, boutonnieres and confetti from natural materials, many of which were collected from our own garden. These ideas may provide some inspiration for classroom decor, activities, role play resources or perhaps for those who might be planning their own celebration! The photos also show the appeal of spending time in a natural environment as it provides a beautiful backdrop, fresh air and wide open spaces to play and relax for both children and adults…

This is the joy of toddler slowliness.

With January blues being so common in the Northern hemisphere, for anyone struggling with outdoor inspiration and motivation after the festive season, we have put together 8 simple ideas to play and create outdoors with the natural materials available to use in the Winter months!

Exploring the four seasons through, observation, painting, transient art and play!

Inspiration for open ended play and experimentation with air-drying clay

The variations in shape, colour, surface texture, patternation and weight of pumpkins and gourds makes them a perfect resource for Autumnal natural play experiences… We all know that pumpkins can be carved into wonderful spooky/magical lanterns for Halloween, but let’s find out some more ways that we can use pumpkins in play!

This September we had the opportunity to present at the annual Early Years Conference in Liverpool city centre attended by teachers and practitioners from Liverpool schools. We presented a workshop titled “Outdoors in all Weathers”

Petals and flowers are a fantastic resource for play!

Find out how we can explore and experiment with shadow and light in response to our new picturebook, From the Shadows

Soil and water mixed together makes mud. These are essential elements for sustaining life on earth. Together with sticks and stones they have been free and accessible playthings for children throughout human history who have spent time exploring their natural environments. Children who are offered access to the outdoors retain their connection to the natural world and all the learning opportunities afforded by these fascinating materials with their endless opportunities for experimentation, creativity and discovery.

Pine cones will last for years and can be used in play all year round, so if you want to make the most of this wonderful natural resource, now is the time to get searching your local area…

Those who have direct contact with nature can receive a most precious gift; a lifelong sense of wonder!

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