When it comes to planning a fun day out with the children it can be hard to please everyone. So why not ask the children? When our teachers asked this question, the answer was an enthusiastic and resounding “Wimbledon Common Park!”
So, we took their lead! We have found that when our children choose the activity the investment in trusting their judgment pays off in terms of engagement and deep learning.
At Willows, we believe that spending time outside is important for both our physical and mental well-being. When the children are outside, they have access to a wider range of natural resources and can spontaneously engage in sensory exploration.
There is something about being in nature that just feels good. Maybe it’s the fresh air or the fact that we’re surrounded by living things. Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that spending time in nature can have a positive effect on our mental and physical health. One of the best things about nature is that it can be enjoyed for free. All you need is a willingness to explore and appreciate the natural world around you. And when you do, you may find that you have a deeper connection with yourself and your Earth.
The children had a great time on their trip, and the highlight for them was an old, large cut tree trunk. They were fascinated by the spiders and ants they saw, and they had a lot of questions about why the “poor” tree had been cut. It was great to see their enthusiasm for nature, and we’re confident that they’ll grow up to be tomorrow’s eco-warriors.
Of course, no trip to the park would be complete without the children climbing trees and chasing each other while playing tag! It’s all part of the fun of being a child. And it’s also great exercise.
Unfortunately, many children today spend less time playing outdoors than ever before. This is due in part to the increasing use of technology and the growing emphasis on academic achievement.
Therefore, it is a fabulous testament to our passionate teachers that the notion of playing in nature is becoming embedded in the children’s psyche.
