What is nature-based play? 

As Niki Buchan explains in Children in Wild Nature, nature-based play models originated in Scandinavia. It refers to play that takes place in outdoor settings like the bush, beaches, gardens, or specially designed natural playgrounds. In Niki’s opinion, there are four key characteristics of nature-based play: 

Nature-based play offers opportunities for risk taking. Natural play spaces offer opportunities to climb, jump, swing and run, helping children to develop their motor skills. For more information on how risky play can be beneficial for child development, check out this blog. 

Nature-based play is flexible. Outdoor play environments offer children opportunities to direct their own play and follow their interests. It is also rooted in sustainability. Strand 5 of Te Whāriki - Exploration/ Mana aotūroa, states that educators can foster a sense of kaitiakitanga by ensuring children have regular access to outdoor environments. 

Finally nature-based play should be connected to the local community and relate to ancestral knowledge such as Kaupapa Māori.  

How do I build an effective early childhood learning environment? 

Building an effective early childhood learning environment involves creating a safe, engaging space that offers open-ended experiences. When designing a learning environment, it is important to consider it from a child’s perspective. Light, colour and sound can all impact children's learning experience, for example too much noise could prove overstimulating.  Manage noise levels with sound-absorbing materials and create quiet areas for children who need a break from noise. 

Make sure displays are at an accessible height for children. They should be able to easily access toys,  books and materials they require for creative projects. Clear labels using words and pictures help them to independently navigate the space.  

Additionally, striking the right balance between offering children choices and not overwhelming them with options is crucial. A Place to Talk Outdoors explores all these factors and shares how to create a calming and inspiring learning environment.  

Inspiring Play Spaces has lots of great suggestions of exciting features to incorporate into your early childhood classroom setup, such as a ‘hospital’, ‘home corner’, ‘space corner’ and ‘hairdressers’. The authors explain the importance of striking a balance between shared and individual play spaces- aim to have at least two of these available in your setting. 

Where can I find ideas for outdoor learning environments? 

Nature-based play provides children with sensory and learning experiences that cannot be found indoors. Our blog has several articles by expert authors with advice on how to create an inclusive and stimulating outdoor learning environment. Additionally, check out our collection of resources containing plenty of ideas for inspiring learning environments and outdoor play activities.