Last week, our teacher invited us to her centre for a workshop on natural curriculum. Her centre is a great example of this and eventually they may have a full outdoor program. They shared documented stories with us, including a story of saving baby birds from a fallen bird house. We also brainstormed in groups for how to include math, science, physical development, language, and creativity with different outdoor areas, such as a hillslide, stone pathways, gardens, and log area. Here are some pictures I took during the walk-around:
Indoors
Frame children's artwork--buy frames from second hand stores
Add leaves and nature items to playdough
Use nature items to count
Have pictures of artists and famous paintings surrounding the easel to offer inspiration to young artists
Animal prints
Fragrant herbs with mortar and pestle
Counting, sorting, and designing
X-ray vision
Gel beads for the light table with coloured plastic cups
Outdoors
Use brooms to clear the steps outside
Keep a basket of wheels for science play
Outdoor blocks: pieces of wood and sticks
