Guest Posted October 9, 2008 Posted October 9, 2008 Hi everyone I have spent the last few weeks giving our outdoor play area a revamp! Its great in fine weather but am aware that they need to have the option of going outdoors whatever the weather. Has anyone got any ideas for outdoor activities as it starts to get colder, and wetter, and windy! Would welcome some help on this as its all a bit new to me!! Thanks Jo xx
Lorna Posted October 9, 2008 Posted October 9, 2008 We had some fantastic play in the pouring rain this week. We had out a water tray, range of containers including flower pots and guttering... children had loads of fun catching the rain and poring it down the guttering. Lots of really good vocab. They also enjoyed having the usual equipment out... we had very soggy dolls, prams and clothes. We had a good sweeping session in the afternoon sweeping puddles, talking about the sound the brooms made in the water. A very wet but fantastic day.
Guest Wolfie Posted October 9, 2008 Posted October 9, 2008 Remember.."there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!" The adults notice the wind and rain far more than the children - invest in some good quality all-in-ones in time for the colder weather if you can!
hali Posted October 9, 2008 Posted October 9, 2008 it is tricky especially trying to dry things out in a damp shed we tend to leave material things in now when its wet as we have ruined lots of things will mill dew - so get things out like trays, tools, tyres etc
Guest Posted October 9, 2008 Posted October 9, 2008 We had some fantastic play in the pouring rain this week.We had out a water tray, range of containers including flower pots and guttering... children had loads of fun catching the rain and poring it down the guttering. Lots of really good vocab. They also enjoyed having the usual equipment out... we had very soggy dolls, prams and clothes. We had a good sweeping session in the afternoon sweeping puddles, talking about the sound the brooms made in the water. A very wet but fantastic day. Hi Lorna, Do you have children's brooms for sweeping puddles/leaves etc? I have been trying to find some and have been unsuccessful. Thanks.
Guest Posted October 10, 2008 Posted October 10, 2008 Our child-sized brooms are adult ones with the handle cut down.
Inge Posted October 10, 2008 Posted October 10, 2008 we have adult brooms with handles which are extendible.. so you can make them half size for the children and adult sized when you want to use them.. we do have child brooms.. but cannot remember where from.. think it must have been Asda at some time when or on offer at local garden centre ... Inge
Guest Posted October 10, 2008 Posted October 10, 2008 Aldi & Lidl sometimes have children's garden tools, including brooms, at reasonable prices. You have to watch for the offers, though, & I think it tends to be springtime!
meridian Posted October 10, 2008 Posted October 10, 2008 we have just acquired some formula one tyres (really chunky ones!) the children absolutely love them (especially the older boys - year 6!)
Guest Posted October 10, 2008 Posted October 10, 2008 thanks for the replies regarding children's brooms. I never thought of cutting adult brooms down to size....... seems obvious now!!!
emmajess Posted October 10, 2008 Posted October 10, 2008 I don't know how to make the links link (!) but if you do a forum search for the title 'playing in the rain', there's good stuff there. Also the title 'weather boxes'. If anyone can tell me how to do links to past posts, I'll come back and put the links in!
Guest Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Lots of good ideas here - thanks everyone! What do the children do with the tyres? i think I need to be a bit more imaginative! Im not put off by the weather but I want to be ready for it and have some ideas ready and waiting!! Keep them coming!! Jo xx PS am now on the lookout for some bargain sweeping brushes!!
hali Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 we fill ours with compost and they dig - or push the tyres around the garden or sit on them , jump in and out of them
Guest Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Hi everyone! I just want to add that I love outdoor play and all your ideas sound great. If I could I'd be back outside in all weathers then I would be! Let's let our children be children and have the experiences we had at their age! For those out there who don't want to be outside, remember it's not about you it's about the children so get your wellies on and enjoy-it's about being creative outside and providing a learning environment that lets children have the best opportunities to learn in a variety of fun and exciting ways! Happy children learn - unhappy children don't! Enjoy!
Guest Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 My class are loving being outdoors and so am I - so many opportunites when it is planned alongside the indoors. Am just trying to collect lots of good ideas for the outdoor area. So if you have tried something that was successful then please share. Also how do you all plan for outdoors ie what does your paperwork look like? Thanks everyone xx
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