The creative arts in nature

I am such a big believer that the most important learning in the early years occurs in the “outdoor classroom”; that is the natural environment that children are so drawn to. The benefits of exploration and play in nature are vast, but sometimes it takes just a few simple ideas to spark inspiration in teachers and parents.

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Education in nature is not only possible, but it is engaging, meaningful and essential. So many rich and varied learning experiences across the developmental domains can take place in the outdoor classroom. Children learn life skills such as problem solving, designing and implementing games, spaces and roles, as well as being challenged to take appropriate risks whilst being supported (this one works wonders with behavioural issues). Once you start, I promise you will be hooked!

The beauty of sticks is that they are a natural resource that children can collect and interact with. Every stick is different and unique. Collecting sticks leads to great investigations and language rich discussions about trees and nature; especially when there are lots of sticks and branches that have fallen after wet and stormy weather. Children love to interact with materials that relate to something they have just experienced in real life.

Enjoy exploring one of nature’s greatest teaching materials for play based learning!

Here are 6 ideas for using sticks in your play based program:

♪♫ ♪ Little sticks make wonderful tapping sticks (or “Happy Sticks” as I call them), and look lovely when painted and decorated. Test out sounds in your outdoor environment as you tap the Happy Sticks on a variety of natural items.

Screen Shot 2014-06-20 at 2.11.05 pm♪♫ ♪ The humble stick can be used in creative art experiences too. Wrapped Stick Sculptures are a lovely way to expose children to other artist’s work and cultural art from the world. After viewing natural sculptures and engaging in discussions, provide wool for children to wrap around their sticks. Magic wands are often organically a natural invention for these sculptures.

♪♫ ♪ Weaving in branches with wool and material is a lovely calm and open ended group activity that promotes team work and respecting others. Everyone’s contribution is uniquely creative, and while supported by the teacher, this is a great independent experience.

Screen Shot 2014-06-20 at 2.11.13 pm♪♫ ♪ Stick Pixies are made with a range of unique and natural materials, but the important thing to remember is to give the child the opportunities to make decisions and choices about their creation. The children delight in role playing with their handmade pixies in magical dramatic play mini worlds.

♪♫ ♪ Bush fairy dwellings can be on a small or large scale and are made with branches, sticks, honkey nuts, dry leaves and foliage. The imaginative play that grows from designing play-scapes is rich and engaging. Children are such talented designers when given the chance to experiment and create with their ow
n visions respected and supported.

Screen Shot 2014-06-20 at 2.11.21 pm♪♫ ♪ Gather your sticks into baskets for sorting and grouping, counting, making patterns, exploring size and experimenting with (do they float, sink, sensory exploration). Maths concepts can also be incidentally taught as children notice some sticks are long/ thin/ short/ fat (also smooth, bumpy, pointy).


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Rebecca Jane Flanagan


Rebecca Jane Flanagan is a passionate early childhood teacher, talented storyteller and trained opera singer. She is an advocate for play based learning, connecting children with the nature and the importance of music and the creative arts. Her specialised programme includes enchanting performances and workshops for children, and engaging professional development training for early childhood staff. www.facebook.com/ MusicalExperiencesForChildren