Outdoor Play

Here at The Nest we greatly value our time outdoors and try to go out whatever the weather. In the last week the Rocks Class experienced two new play activities outside.

When we arrived at the playground, the children were shocked to find a child from a different class digging in the patch of soil by our line-up spot: "His feet are not on the orange!" they reported to me. Keeping your feet on the orange is our reminder to stay in the playground and not wander out onto the sidewalk.

That day we opened the patch of soil for play. Children hunted for sticks to dig with, strong and long enough to hold. They explored the dirt and enjoyed the unexpected treasures they found - a coin, bottle cap and pencil. This patch also holds a tree and, as it is winter, the children can look right up into the branches to find nests.

On another day we moved our play to the field directly opposite school. Ms McHugh brought out several soccer balls and two small nets. Small groups of mixed-age children took turns playing but the real fun happened after the Sky and Trees classes returned inside and we stayed out a little longer. A pack of children ran around the field chasing the ball. The only rule was if the ball leaves the field you must call a teacher to retrieve it.

Many were sad when I rang the chimes to end park time. We agreed to play again soon.