Posts by gwen

Ten Christmas gift ideas for young gardeners Photo by Filip Urban on Unsplash Outdoor play is a precious and vital part of every child’s development. Providing children with opportunities to explore the natural world through creative play is one of the best things we as caregivers can give them. With this in mind, and with…

Fairy gardens enchant and delight children – and adults – of all ages, providing an escape from the stresses of everyday life and encouraging imaginative play. We all know that getting out into the garden is good for the soul, and what better way to get creative outside than by making a fairy garden? Unleash…

The rise in popularity of forest schools over the years is a fantastic sign that educators all over the country are recognising the value of an outdoor learning experience. For many children, this is the only opportunity to learn about nature, and it’s far more exciting to do this outside of a traditional classroom. Being…

Children young and old (and even adults too!) love nothing more than to build a den. It is perhaps because this basic need for shelter is buried so deep within our DNA that it feels so appealing. Since human beings first existed, creating a safe haven has been one of the highest priorities for survival.…

The way in which children grow, learn and develop is unique to each child, and it’s also really fascinating! Watching them change at every level is wonderful, as you witness them gaining new skills and learning new things. There are five stages of early years child development: Newborn (0-3 months) Infant (3 months to a…

When we consider children’s development, we often talk about refining their fine motor skills. This helps children learn how to perform fiddly jobs such as drawing and colouring, and playing with smaller toys. What is not spoken about as often is gross, or large motor skills. So what are gross or large motor skills, and…

Whether you’re a parent, a carer, a guardian, a schoolteacher or a nursery teacher, you will know that absolutely core to a child’s development is to give them exposure to as many different experiences as possible. Music is a really important skill to introduce to children from as early as birth (and even in the…

You see a cardboard box; your child sees a castle. If there is one thing that all children have, it’s their incredible ability to use their imagination, unhindered. Role-play is a really important skill to encourage in children as it is so vital to their development in so many areas. It helps them build their…

It’s commonly understood now that outdoor learning brings with it a whole host of learning opportunities that just cannot be replicated in the home or the classroom. Whether it’s playing on swings and slides, pond-dipping and fire-building, or sliding down mud banks, children embrace the fun of learning outdoors enthusiastically. The rise of forest schools…