Outdoor areas

Being outside is a unique experience and provides opportunities for learning that are not available inside. Outside offers space to move and provides more freedom to try things out, to explore, investigate and create. Children have more control outside where they can shape and transform their environment. The outside is dynamic and changing eg, puddles appear and disappear/ water turns to ice/ slugs appear after rain. It is rich for the senses - the musty smell of autumn leaves; the rustle of wind through the branches and the feel of cold, slimy mud underfoot. There is more room for larger muscle movements such as leaping, chasing, climbing and rolling and spacial awareness can be greatly improved as children better judge the space around them.