The great outdoors is the best space and place for children to learn. It provides a sensory experience that is not replicated indoors. I love how the seasons help my learning approach, nature immersion, and joyful lenses. The beautiful thing about outdoor learning is that it makes everybody happier. When we are outdoors, the infant learning is attuned to what’s going on around them, the wrestling of leaves or the swaying of trees – I truly believe the outdoors is the best place to be.
Here I place a luggae of mirror objects for an infant discovery while outdoors.
Metallic Blocks from ONP International excellent for mirror play and it is unbreakable. These blocks are stackable and the older children love to use them in their everyday play. The vintage luggage is from my favorite store Goodwill Industries and the book is from my own library of books. The mat she is resting on I purchased from Ross, which is bath math. This mat is great for their sensory investigations and it has been used both indoors and outdoors. Oh, did I mention both sides have different textures which is a bonus.
Miss Sue barefoot? Why? I was raised walking barefoot and I love it. I love feeling the sensation of grass, dirt, or gravel under my feet. I do not recommend shoes for infants until they have learned to walk barefoot for some time – I believe children need to learn to FEEL with their feet before covering them -this is my personal way of doing things (I understand if it is not your ideology). Babies learn to make connections with the world around them by investigating with their senses. I believe walking barefoot outdoors is an amazing sensory connection for infants. I like mud and mess while others may not, it comes down to a personal preference.
What to be mindful of when barefoot outdoors? – ground bees, yes these are the bees that hoover low and love the little grass flowers. Be vigilant about these because when walked on they will sting. Another is poop – at times the neighbors’ pets escape and enter our yard or the fox. So I am always doing morning sweeps looking for poop. Each geographic location may have different items to look out for before the little ones get on the grass. Either way, I hope you are an educator who encourages lots of sensory outdoor play and investigations.
Until next time – xoxo Miss Sue
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