Saturday, 23 February 2013

Perfect Outdoor Weather! Country Kids

Now, I know given the title of my blog & the motto of my class that I shouldn't have a preference for a particular type of weather BUT of course I do, I'm only human. This past week was really, really cold (for us) at around -1/-2 all day but it was dry & bright so almost the perfect weather for being outdoors.
It is so much easier when the children don't have to get on their waterproofs (26 children to get into boots, dungarees & coats is a pain but of course it's well worth it on damp, wet days)
On damp days we have to keep a lot of the resources under the covered area & it can get very cramped or else we can't put them out at all. But this week we were able to spread all over the playground. We had the large Community Playthings blocks out for the first time this week & it was great to be able to have them in different areas each day. 
It had dried up so much that we didn't need wellies to enjoy going on the grass/mud area & the children loved the freedom to explore this area.
On Fridays we have our outdoor Scandinavian day - it means we stay outside as much as possible, only going inside for story & lunch. This week it was perfect as we spent 2 hours outside, we cooked some popcorn on the BBQ & then went in to watch some DVD's, had lunch & then headed outside again for another hour of play. The fire on a Friday has become a major part of our outdoor day but this time we just used a disposable BBQ to cook some popcorn. The children were fascinated by how the kernals looked before & after - it was like magic! 
Some of the children enjoyed playing in the willow houses, making fires & cooking dinner. As I watched them I realised that if we had a pristine, 'safe' playground, they couldn't do this, as they were using bark chippings for the food, sticks for the fire & sitting about on logs in the willows & on the grass.
I do believe that this was a perfect way to spend a day & one of those occasions when I can't believe I get paid to do this!!
I'ved added this post to the latest County Kids over at Coombemill.

Posted by at
Labels: , , ,

18 comments:

  1. I'm so pleased that the outdoor education movement is gaining strength in this country again. My son adores being outside but his nursery only have outside time for part of the day. He would be in heaven with a whole day outside except story and lunch.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. I agree I see more & more evidence of people getting outdoors, it is so heartening. I suppose most nurseries, like me, have invested a lot money on indoor resources & feel it si such a waste if they don't use them! I know that I even feel guilty on lovely sunny days when we stay outside as I think of all the 'stuff' indoors!! If I was doing it all again, I'd invest mroe on the outdoor space & less on indoors.

      Delete

  2. What a fantastic and safe environment for the children to explore and let their imagination run free. I particularly like the photos of them making their own camp fires and dinner. Our six children prefer to be out and about exploring our farm, making camps and the occasional supervised camp fires. Thanks for linking to Country Kids.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Hi Fiona & thanks for making me think of a good outdoor post for every Friday! I love the way they can recreate their experiences with the bark chippings & saucepans in the grass area now too.

      Delete

  3. Love these pictures! I'll bet your kids have so much fun in your class. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thanks for coming over & leaving such a lovely comment.

      Delete
  4. Replies

    1. Thanks, I take way too many but can't resist!

      Delete

  5. i think fridays look just so much fun, I just love how they sit around the fire! i prefer dry and cold too as long as your are wrapped up warm so much more can be done. great photos as always and those children always look like they are having the best time ever x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Hi Jenny, I think it's my favourite day of the week for many reasons - perhaps we should make Monday our outdoor day & then it would make it a better day? Because the popcorn did take a while to actually cook this time some of them went off to play while it cooked & only returned when the poppping sounds could be heard! Thanks again for the kind words, looks like you had loads of fun outdoors this week too.

      Delete

  6. Love the Tam O'Shanter in one photo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. LOL it's a full 'Jimmy' wig our partner school in Bo'Ness sent over for St. Andrew's day but I was informed that on this occasion it made the wearer into Snow white!!

      Delete

  7. Every time I see your "outside" pictures, I am reminded how brilliant your outside space is. What lucky kids to get to spend time exploring, creating. learning and making popcorn there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Hi Sandi, thanks so much for the lovely comment. I love our outdoor space but I know that some people are horrified by it!! Luckily those that really count i.e the children & parents appreciate it.

      Delete

  8. Loving all the pictures, picking up some great tips and planning our own out door play area for Little Boy Blue Toddle School.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Hi Nanette, I think that is the key, have a good 'nosy' round other places & see what tips you can pick up - let me know if you need anymore information on anything, Kierna

      Delete

  9. Your outdoor classroom looks fab. In many of the best pre schools I have visited the outdoors is seen as an extension to the indoor not an alternative, a full outdoor classroom with a range of learning experiences is accessible to the children all day. That way children can learn in whichever environment suits them best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Oh I think that is the ideal, isn't it. Sadly due to adult child ratios we can't offer that at the moment but when we have done it works so well for all concerned. Thanks for dropping by & taking the time to comment. Kierna

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)