Children benefit greatly from nature play. Their natural curiosity about the world around them fills their minds with questions and wonders as they explore nature's gifts. When we provide an opportunity for children to gather, collect, wonder about and investigate nature items we enhance their learning. Blurring the lines between the indoor and outdoor learning environment we can enhance children's learning. Allowing nature's materials into the classroom or home gives validity to children's natural curiosities. Providing time and space for their collections to be displayed and played with deepens their understandings and connections to the world.
Creative play with items such as sticks, acorns, rocks and leaves allows children's imaginations to soar. Materials become transformed and manipulated to support their play. Often we will include these natural materials within our sensory bins, small world play and at our nature discovery tables. When natural materials are offered to children along with traditional materials whether in the indoor or outdoor learning space children's play is enriched and deepened. Children learn to care for the natural world. They come to value nature's materials which in turn supports their developing stewardship for the environment. Considering the environmental concerns of our current society this is imperative as we guide children in their life's journey.
Providing a space in the indoor or home learning environment for nature to be celebrated and investigated tells children that the gifts of nature are valued and important. Simply place a beautiful tray or basket out to get started. Soon your space will be connected to children's curiosities and creative thinking as they play with both traditional play materials and nature's gifts.
Wishing you many creative explorations!
Michelle
