We’ve certainly had more than our reasonable share of chilly winds and grey skies recently. But it’s still worth thinking ahead to warmer, brighter days and inspiration for outdoor play and learning at your school once spring and summer arrive more consistently. And the benefits of getting children outside are, of course, well known – and indeed recognised by OFSTED. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Make a fairy garden
A fairy garden is, a dinky space full of tiny plants and accessories to attract fairies. Find the perfect location for one at your school. These are fun for children to create – just remember to take a photo, since the rain and wind can ruin your set-up overnight.
Go on a spring scavenger hunt!
Make a list of all the items you could look for, and get children to immerse themselves in the natural world as they tick them off, or play a bingo-style game. Examples:
- Scented blossom
- Sticky leaf buds
- Springy moss
- Lichen-covered twigs
- Eggshell fragments (obviously only pick up pieces of eggshell which have fallen to the ground)
Let them get their hands dirty gardening!
Gardening always goes down well with school pupils, whatever the stage of their academic career. There’s the obvious connection with the natural world, plus it introduces processes such as photosynthesis. Even if you don’t have much room, a small planter or similar can be used to prepare the soil, sow seeds and water them. Equally, there are so many things you could cultivate, from tomatoes, peas and herbs to flowers – so grow for it!
Painting
Try an al fresco art class. Make the most of your surroundings and get the kids to paint a particular stone or leaf they’ve found, or a landscape. Or how about drawing in chalks on a hard surface like your playground?
Energise the children with some outdoor reading
Just getting kids outside can breathe fresh life into the school routine. Use a lesson to just have your pupils reading outdoors this spring, either lying on the grass or propped up against a tree or on a bench.
How a canopy for your school, can help
Boost your school’s programme of outdoor learning with a canopy as a base for open-air classes, providing added protection from the elements. We at Kensington Systems provide safe, low-maintenance, stimulating and visually attractive shelters allowing learning to take place outside. Our Spaceshade® playground canopies are customisable, with coloured roofs, all-weather sidewalls, plus they come in a rainbow of different colours.
Contact us today for a quote, and remember, we offer a 25-year-warranty on our Spaceshade® frames, plus an exceptionally high standard of service, and DBS-checked installers. What’s more, we’ll handle your project from start to finish, from groundwork to post-installation support.
