Outdoor Learning

“It is the joy and exuberance that becomes so noticeable when children are playing in nature, becoming co-inhabitants of the space and totally integrated with the cycles, interrelationships and magic. It is the awe and wonder that connects, surprises and gives children that sparkle in their eyes. Without this connection, life can be very different,
and I believe all the poorer.“

Sarah Blackwell – Forest Schools Kindergarten – Founder

Here at TCG, we believe that nature and outdoors is both nurturing, therapeutic, educational and the perfect place for children to learn and grow as they explore the environment, their world and their place within it. Woodlands and outdoor spaces develop an inquisitive mind, a strong body and sound social and emotional skills. As well as our Forest School programme which is run at local woodland, our beautiful Georgian house in Stamford has a large walled garden with a large lawn, a huge mud pit with mud kitchen, a deck for cycling and scootering and a yurt.

Our yurt is the ‘base camp’ for our Outdoor Education, run by our Forest School-trained staff. It is a cosy space with a log burner and oven where children can sit and drink hot chocolate when they need a break from the exciting things that are happening outside. Our pre-school children have the opportunity to take part in ‘yurt days’. These days are essentially days when the children can choose to spend the whole day outside taking part in the Outdoor Education. There is woodwork, gardening and fire building among the many activities which form part of the projects in which the children take part. The children are empowered to be self-directive, analytical thinkers as they manage risks and discover their own capabilities.

And children that spend a lot of time outdoors? “Their eyes are bright. They’ve got an aliveness about them. They are fully engaged and want to explore the natural world. They are quick to laugh and all of their senses are sharpened.”

Ciara Hinksman - Earthforce Education

Less outdoor play is causing more harm than good

A US pre-school teacher's blog on outside play