Sustainability Day 20- Bringing the “Outside In”

Connecting with nature and natural resources is fundamental to our development and well-being. However for some of us, connecting with nature is not as easy as going outside to play. Many early childhood service outdoor spaces may be filled with soft fall and set equipment. To be in a service with the luxury of grass, plants and gardens, trees, rocks and dirt.. should never be taken for granted and the outdoor space should be a significant part of your daily routine and program.

However, regardless of the type of outdoor space you have, “bringing the outside in” is a valuable practice…. I don’t just mean bring in natural items for building or the creative arts… but I also mean as part of your indoor physical space.

Here are some ideas;

Create a “natural resource” space for loose parts play, block construction, creative arts… a variety of rocks, seed pods, leaves, dried flowers… great open-ended resources!

Still life drawings or use flowers on your art/ drawing table as a provocation! Children’s discussions can lead to conversations about experiences and memories and hence then be re-created through the visual arts. Flowers can be replaced with pine cones, seed pods, various rocks….

Mixture of natural and recycled resources for construction

Creative Arts space with wonderful variety of provocations such as green/ dried leaves, various sticks and branches

Open shelf display with natural items available for use in various ways or even just for exploration..

Or.. add natural resources for aesthetics only… glass jars with beautiful natural elements

Just love this… frames with various leaves… bring green inside … aesthetic, interesting and no watering required!

So, just a few simple ideas to “bring the outside in” whether it be for creative purposes or just aesthetics. The use of and exposure to natural elements should never be underestimated!

Look out for Day 21!