As we enter the month of May, Beltane or May Day is upon us, which is the midpoint between the start of spring and the start of summer. With its promise of warmer weather and days spent enjoying the sunshine, this is the perfect time to start learning outdoors and planning adventures to experience all the wonders the natural world has to offer.
Providing opportunities for children to learn outdoors does not need to be complicated. Adopting a child-led approach and providing a few simple resources that can be used depending on where the moment takes you, is key when it comes to achieving flow and harmony in your sessions.
I like to put together a grab bag for each season with a few simple elements that can provide limitless possibilities for creativity and exploration.
So, here’s how to begin building your grab bag for learning outdoors:
Grab yourself a comfortable backpack that you can keep handy, I find having one with a few pockets and compartments works best, and if you can find one with a zip at the bottom as well as the top so you can access things more easily, even better!
Ground sheet
Living in the UK, we do need to be prepared for all weather, so a ground sheet for when it’s a little damp will really help, whether you’re using it to sit on for a story, or snack or to lay out some resources to keep them dry. These can fold down pretty small with a bit of practice, so have a play around – you can always ask the children to help pack it away during tidy-up time.
Spotter books and field guides
Spotter books or field guides are an absolute must! Having a handy guide to help you and the children identify wildlife is a great way to extend and consolidate learning. There is something really lovely about looking things up in a book – an act that is fast becoming a dying skill with the advances in technology and the convenience of having an entire world of information stored on the little rectangle we keep in our pockets! Taking the time to sit down and flick through the pages full of beautiful illustrations almost becomes a treasure hunt in itself, and teaches the children not just vital skills like literacy, but patience, initiative, and independence.
I introduced spotter books to my son from a very young age, now 4 years old – he loves retrieving the spotter book from the bag and finding the information for himself. It’s become a fun challenge and the scene of achievement and pride that lights up his little face when he finds what he is looking for is magical!
I always carry the Collins guide to insects – my copy has been a permanent fixture in my kit bag and has been to every outdoor session I have ever delivered since I first began teaching outdoors. Plants and bird books are also great; I’ve collected a wide selection over the years that I like to mix and match, but you can find all-in-one books that will give you snippets from every category. “The Spotters Guide to Woodland Life” is a great example, try looking in your local second-hand bookstores or charity shops.
Bug hunting kit
This doesn’t have to be too extravagant, just a few small pots and some magnifying glasses will do! You could also add some binoculars for bird watching too. Remember, even if you have a large group, you don’t need to provide one for each child. Having just a small handful encourages the children to share and work together, and the likelihood is that not all the children will want to use them at the same time. You can offer something else from the bag while a child is waiting for their turn.
Paint sample cards
Paint sample cards are a great way to observe colour and changing seasons. You can get them for free in your local hardware or paint store. I have a few different selections for each season. With spring offering a variety of beautiful pastel shades of florals popping out to paint the landscape, think about gradient colours of pink, purple, yellow, and green. You can use these to match all the natural treasures that you find or even have a colour scavenger hunt!
Craft items
Consider a few craft items that can be used to create many projects:
Natural jute cord, a small zip-lock bag of clay, some colourful ribbons, a pencil case with some paint pens, scissors, a marker, and paper tape for labelling children’s creations, plus a handy notepad for jotting things down, or giving paper to children if they wish to paint or draw a picture of something they find in nature. It’s amazing how a few simple resources can create limitless possibilities when it comes to children’s imagination.
A stick could be turned into a magical wand, some natural materials can be stuck together with clay to make woodland creatures, and rocks and pebbles can be painted for all kinds of uses.
Keeping organised
Keeping organised with your kit is important, as it helps you keep track of everything, makes it easier to find things quickly and efficiently when you need them, and will keep your pack tidy, so all your resources fit in nicely. I like to separate everything into either zip-lock bags, or the mesh drawstring ones you get for produce in the supermarket, that way you can easily see what’s inside, and items that need to stay dry are protected against the weather.
So go ahead, and get started today on your grab back so you’re always ready for an adventure!
Book information
This book is a treasure trove for parents, caregivers, and educators alike. Within its pages, you’ll find a delightful blend of hands-on activities and insightful strategies to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young children. Muddy play is more than just a fun activity; it’s a gateway to sensory exploration and physical development. This guide will walk you through setting up safe, engaging outdoor environments where children can dig, splash, and create to their heart’s content. You’ll learn how to turn a simple patch of mud into a rich educational experience that nurtures problem-solving skills and encourages imaginative play that are linked to all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Through practical tips and inspiring stories from Charlotte’s many years of experience in outdoor education and motherhood, the book will show you how to recognise and support your child’s interests and natural curiosities. This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
The book is sprinkled with enchanting recipes that are perfect for little hands and growing minds.
So, grab this guide and embark on a magical adventure with your child. Together, you’ll discover the joys of muddy play, the wonders of child-led learning, and the profound beauty of early development. Happy exploring!
Available here.