Small ways to build nature into your urban setting

“In nature, children learn to take risks, overcome fears, make new friends, regulate emotions, and create imaginary worlds.”
― Angela J. Hanscom 

When it comes to taking learning outside we are all very much aware of the many benefits being in nature can have on a child's learning, wellbeing and development. Yet what happens when we have limited access to nature? Perhaps you're a parent living in the middle of the city, an inner city preschool or a school with only concrete grounds?

In this blog article I want to show you 3 simple ways that you can make learning happen outdoors and build nature into your day. 

My experiences

I have worked in a number of different locations over the years and some of these have been rural schools set in between farm land in North Yorkshire, to city centre locations and those in the middle of dense housing estates. Each setting has brought it's own benefits and challenges. In one particular school I worked in the EYFS area was a concrete zone that had been fenced off from the rest of the school playground. It had no natural elements and we had to work hard to bring these in. Some of the ways we were able to do this in the space was:

Pebbles

Such a simple and open ended resource that can be used in so many different ways. From pattern making, lifting and comparing weight, filling buckets with, painting and using as props in the play. 

Water

We explored water in buckets, jerry cans, in mirrored tuff trays and with drain pipes. 

Raised Beds

We planted flowers like nasturtium into a raised bed and added rocks and ferns to create a natural  scene for the small world outdoors.

As we lacked nature that was beautiful we got a plant pot and some bamboo canes and grew sweet peas up these. We also used some reclaimed tyres, filled these with soil and planted spring bulbs.

We managed to get some inexpensive potato growing sacks to grow our own in!

Crates

We used crates to grow our strawberries up in the summer. We also lined these with a mesh and grew carrots in them. 

Maths Shack

We set up an empty shed with natural brash arranged in baskets that could be used to support early maths development as well as loose parts play. Items which could be naturally collected like: conkers, twigs, dried grass, seed heads and pine cones.

Woodland Kitchen

A woodland kitchen was set up using some crates with a plank of wood over the top. The children could then use pots, pans and utensils to make up their own nature inspired recipes using mud and natural objects gathered on walks. 

Finding Nature 

I know that not all of you will have the luxury of a piece of space outdoors (concrete or not) that you can call your own. I want to share with you now some examples of how you can still build nature into your practice.  

• Find a part of nature and observe what happens it to throughout the year. This could be a tree at the side of your building, the moss creeping through the cracks in the pavement.
• Take a daily walk around your local area and be amazed when you tune into your senses that actually there is much more nature around you that you first realised. Look up at the clouds in the sky and identify these. We used to like taking our cloud viewer. Then take a look for birds, bees and butterflies. Are there any vehicles in the sky? Wonder together about where these might be going to and coming from and even look for these on a map or track them using a flight app. 
• Find a river or a canal nearby that you can visit. Try skimming stones and look for the signs of wildlife. 
• Head to local park and lay under the trees, looking up at the leaves, their shape, colour and see if you can identify them using my leaf spotter sheet,
• Head outside at night and look out for the phases of the moon and document what you see here. We like to document this (along with the daily weather) in our nature journal
• Start a rock collection and then bring it inside. 
• Start a bird count and see how many you can spot in your area and how many different types. 
• Hunt for minibeasts that might be hiding under a rock.  We also like looking for spiders that may have made their webs between different materials and fences and using our magnifying glasses to see the details on their legs and body. 
• If you're based in an area surrounded by other peoples gardens take enjoyment from walking passed these and talk about your favourite flowers that can be spotted. We love walking passed our neighbours wall that is planted with lavender. It attracts so many bees and butterflies in the late summer and it's always a delight to see! You might turn your walk into more fun by playing a game of i-spy. 
• Take one of your meals outside and eat it in nature. 
• On a rainy day hunt for puddles to jump into and once the rain has stopped look to see where you can find raindrops sitting. 

For more ideas of getting outside into nature why not attend our Hygge in the Early Years Autumn Conference. Tickets start at £10 and we will be looking at the them of Sparking curiosity outdoors!