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View Full Version : great toolkits for learning environment/outdoors



jumpinjen
21-02-2010, 01:10 PM
I found these, both from the last couple of years and both really easy to use with some great tips for resources/ areas of learning both indoors and out.

http://little-blossoms-childminding.blogspot.com/2010/02/learning-environment.html

jenni:)

Kes
21-02-2010, 03:06 PM
Have marked it to read later but looks good thanks.:thumbsup:

mama2three
21-02-2010, 03:12 PM
i use the norfolk schools one to show interested parents - to help them see why so much of what we do is outdoors and forest based. it hangs in the hall and new parents take it away to read through ( or not!)

caz3007
21-02-2010, 03:45 PM
Thats really helpful Jenni, I was looking at devoping play stuff in the garden, so thats a great help

jumpinjen
21-02-2010, 03:47 PM
i use the norfolk schools one to show interested parents - to help them see why so much of what we do is outdoors and forest based. it hangs in the hall and new parents take it away to read through ( or not!)

I'd love to hear more about your outdoor stuff!:)

mama2three
21-02-2010, 03:58 PM
im lucky jen -i live in sherwood forest ( in a house not a tree mind!). a few years ago i worked at a preschool where we set up forest school sessions , and i just make the most of the opportunity. nothing i do is 'special' - lots of the kinds of things you found in those links. its just that being outdoors means they can really take everything about their environment onboard. i rarely ' plan' these 'outings' we just go with the flow , freeplay always leads us somewhere different. i try to explain the benefits to parents when they visit so they arent likely to use me if they are going to worry about their darling getting a bit muddy , or a grazed knee. there are lots of days when i am less enthusiastic mind , and a warm house and nearby kettle is much more attractive to me!

jumpinjen
21-02-2010, 04:21 PM
im lucky jen -i live in sherwood forest ( in a house not a tree mind!). a few years ago i worked at a preschool where we set up forest school sessions , and i just make the most of the opportunity. nothing i do is 'special' - lots of the kinds of things you found in those links. its just that being outdoors means they can really take everything about their environment onboard. i rarely ' plan' these 'outings' we just go with the flow , freeplay always leads us somewhere different. i try to explain the benefits to parents when they visit so they arent likely to use me if they are going to worry about their darling getting a bit muddy , or a grazed knee. there are lots of days when i am less enthusiastic mind , and a warm house and nearby kettle is much more attractive to me!

Oh, you sound so my kind of person!!! I warn my parents also that there will be mud and bumps! We live close to staffs/Shropshire and have a national trust card so we spend many a morning exploring..... especially our favourite few magical places!! In the garden i try to put out very open-ended resources for building dens/ making potions/ digging/ mixing etc, but I'm always on the look out for new ideas and really liked some of the ones on there... i'm into Montessori also and found some fab ideas this week for using it out of doors so lots to do when i have a minute!!

That is the benefit of a garden environment... the warm house and kettle aren't that far and a cuppa in hand in a cold garden is soooo nice, especially with a bit of spring sunshine!!!!

Jen x

mama2three
21-02-2010, 04:32 PM
id love to find out more about linking montessori and outdoor provision - have you got a link?

this is myfavourite book http://www.mindstretchers.co.uk/cat/MP/MSntn.html

mumof4
21-02-2010, 04:59 PM
Looks interesting, im starting my own version of forest school with a couple of cm`s:)

hello kitty
21-02-2010, 05:25 PM
Some really interesting links there thank you. :)

balijay
21-02-2010, 06:28 PM
Evening Jenni and everyone. Had a look at those 2 links earlier on your blog. This prompted me to take a trip to Ikea this afternoon (obviously spending just over £70 - lol!). I picked up some Lack tables so I can set up separate play areas more easily.

The outdoor ideas are great too - unfortunately I don't have a useable garden but I am only 10 mins from the New Forest so lots of opportunity for some muddy wet play! I have to keep reminding my parents to send the kids in old clothes as 9 times out of 10 they go home filthy!! :laughing:

jumpinjen
21-02-2010, 06:37 PM
id love to find out more about linking montessori and outdoor provision - have you got a link?

this is myfavourite book http://www.mindstretchers.co.uk/cat/MP/MSntn.html

I loved what they had to say on the website.... if only i lived in Scotland!!! Which book do you like particularly??

I haven't got a link for the Montessori.... my information came from the module that I am studying for my level 4 in Montessori Early Years. i can make a list of ideas for you if you would like them?

Jenni:)

jumpinjen
21-02-2010, 06:38 PM
Evening Jenni and everyone. Had a look at those 2 links earlier on your blog. This prompted me to take a trip to Ikea this afternoon (obviously spending just over £70 - lol!). I picked up some Lack tables so I can set up separate play areas more easily.

The outdoor ideas are great too - unfortunately I don't have a useable garden but I am only 10 mins from the New Forest so lots of opportunity for some muddy wet play! I have to keep reminding my parents to send the kids in old clothes as 9 times out of 10 they go home filthy!! :laughing:

That is lovely.... we are often away from home to enjoy natural spaces too... I find all-in-one puddle suits re brilliant for keping clothes dry and toddlers comfortable!! I'm concocting a post about my favourite nature sites with lovely resources to use with little ones, it'll be up soon, time permitting!!!

Jenni

jumpinjen
21-02-2010, 06:58 PM
Looks interesting, im starting my own version of forest school with a couple of cm`s:)

Sounds interesting.... tell me more!!!

jen:)