Educator Inspiration – Quality Classrooms Blog

April 8, 2024April 8, 2024

Fun in Motion: Exploring Active Play Activities for Children

Welcome to the vibrant world of active play, where every jump, skip, and hop leads to boundless opportunities for growth and discovery! Every one of us has been a child once, and we all remember how much desire we have to move, explore, and engage with the world around us. From the busy playgrounds to the corners of home, active play serves as the cornerstone of children’s development, nurturing their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. Join us in this blog to discover the transformative power of active play, and active play ideas for preschool children!

Active Play Ideas for Preschool Children

Lace up your sneakers, and spring outside!

The Importance of Active Play for Preschoolers

Active play helps preschoolers develop fundamental motor skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching. These skills lay the foundation for more complex movements and promote physical fitness and coordination. Children who regularly participate in active play not only reduce the risk of childhood obesity but also instill healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Furthermore, mastering fundamental movement skills during the preschool years lays a solid foundation for participation in sports and other physical activities later in life.

Active play offers a rich environment for honing both fine and gross motor skills in preschoolers. From grasping objects and manipulating toys to swinging on monkey bars and kicking balls, children engage in a wide array of movements that challenge and refine their motor abilities. These skills are not only crucial for everyday tasks such as dressing and feeding oneself but also play a vital role in academic success, particularly in activities like handwriting and using scissors.

The dynamic nature of active play stimulates various cognitive functions in preschoolers, facilitating their intellectual growth and development. As children navigate through playground equipment, obstacle courses, and solve movement-based challenges, they hone their problem-solving skills, develop spatial awareness, and enhance their ability to plan and execute actions.

Every movement can lead to opportunities for growth and discovery!

Active play provides preschoolers with opportunities to interact with their peers, fostering social skills such as cooperation, communication, and empathy. These social competencies lay the groundwork for forming positive relationships, collaborating with peers, and functioning effectively within a group setting, both in childhood and beyond. Additionally, physical activity releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being.

Through activities like building forts, playing pretend, or inventing new games, active play encourages preschoolers to unleash their creativity and imagination. By exploring different roles and scenarios, children develop storytelling skills and expand their imaginative horizons. Play situations also flourish with opportunities for language learning and development in preschoolers. Whether children are engaging in imaginative role-play, storytelling, or negotiating rules in a game, they are constantly exposed to rich language input and encouraged to express themselves verbally. Through these interactions, they expand their vocabulary, refine their grammar, and improve their communication skills, laying a solid foundation for literacy and academic success.

Lastly, outdoor active play exposes preschoolers to the wonders of the natural world, sparking their curiosity and fostering an appreciation for the environment. Activities like exploring a local park, splashing in puddles, or observing insects in their natural habitat will help children to develop a deeper connection to nature and a sense of stewardship for the planet.

Active play introduces preschoolers to the marvels of the natural world.

Active Play Essentials

Introducing active play early into the lives of preschoolers is not only fun but also essential for their physical, social, and cognitive development. To facilitate this enriching experience, providing the right products is key. Here are few recommendations by Quality Classrooms, from infant to preschool/ready for school age children:

For infants (0-18 months), Soft Sensory Balls can stimulate babies’ senses and motor skills. Designed with vibrant colors and varied textures, these balls encourage grasping, rolling, and tossing, fostering cognitive development and hand-eye coordination. Activity mats are great too – they make tummy time fun and encouraging for the little ones. Featuring colorful designs, these mats provide a comfortable surface for babies to explore, reach, and strengthen their muscles.

For preschool children (3-5 years), challenge them on balance boards! Perfect for indoor or outdoor play, these colourful boards inspire imaginative games while improving core strength and stability. Play Parachutes can foster teamwork and cooperation among preschoolers. Whether they’re shaking it up and down or running underneath, children will delight in the possibilities for play and social interaction.

Two Tone Activity Mat provides a comfortable place for little ones to play, crawl and explore. This mat will bring that soft quiet look that is welcomed indoors. Double-sided mats have a light tone on one side and a darker tone on the other. Made of easy to wipe clean material.

Wooden Balance Board helps children improve their balance and coordination skills. Also, regular exercising on the board strengthens muscles, improves proprioception and keeps the body aligned. Using this balance board, children will train their bodies, orient vestibular system, and have fun!

Active Play Activities for Preschoolers

Now, let’s dive into some exciting active play activities tailored specifically for preschoolers, incorporating products available at Quality Classrooms!

Sensory Exploration:

Products Needed: Soft Sensory Balls, Activity Mat

Description: Create a sensory-rich environment by laying out the mat and scattering the soft sensory balls around the space. Encourage babies to explore the different textures, colors, and shapes of the balls while lying on the mat. They can roll, toss, and even gently bounce the balls, stimulating their tactile senses and fostering sensory integration. Encourage them to describe the sensations they experience as they interact with each ball, promoting language development and sensory awareness.

Sensory Balls are made from natural rubber from Hevea trees. Their especially soft natural material makes them easy to grip and suitable for handling and biting by infants. Their different colors and textures enhance sensory stimulation – both tactile and visual – and contribute to the development of children’s motor skills.

Balance Beam Adventure:

Products Needed: Balance Beam, Other Gross Motor Products

Description: Set up the Balance Beam, or steppingstones in an open area with enough space for preschoolers to walk across. Challenge them to navigate the beam/steppingstones using various locomotor movements such as walking forwards, backwards, sideways, or even tiptoeing. To add excitement, place a soft cushion or mat at the end of the beam as a landing spot. Encourage preschoolers to experiment with different movements and balance techniques, promoting gross motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness!

preschooler stands on soft balance beam.

Soft Balance Beam allows for the perfect balance between safety and exploration. With a trapezoidal shape this balance beam has a solid foundation.

Riverstones are inspired by steppingstones in a river with each side of the triangle varying in steepness and difficulty. Try to jump from stone to stone without touching the floor! You can vary the position of the stones to create more challenging paths for children.

Natures Footsteps Mats are constructed with hard-wearing, black rubber that won’t tear or lose shape easily. The rubber is non-slip so pieces can be safely stood on and used for games. Includes 8 leaves from all seasons, 3 log cross-sections, 3 rocks and 1 log.

Parachute Play:

Products Needed: Parachutes

Description: A classic game! Gather preschoolers in a spacious area and introduce them to the colourful Parachute. Guide them in holding onto the parachute’s handles while standing in a circle. Start by gently lifting and lowering the parachute as a group, creating ripples and waves. Then, encourage preschoolers to lift the parachute overhead and run underneath as it billows down like a colourful canopy. Experiment with different movements such as bouncing balls on the parachute or making it rise and fall like a giant jellyfish. Parachute play promotes cooperation, teamwork, and gross motor coordination while providing endless fun and excitement!

group of kids playing with parachute and green ball

Parachute, 20′, Rainbow is made of colourful, lightweight, fire-resistant polyester. These parachutes have a very strong 10 mm (3/8″) thick rope sewn into the outer edge, allowing almost unlimited number of people to play at the same time. Includes reusable storage bag.

Dance Party

Products Needed: Scarves

Description: The scarves are great because they can transform any space into a vibrant dance party! Play upbeat music and invite preschoolers to dance freely, twirling, spinning, and moving to the rhythm. Distribute the colourful scarves to each child, encouraging them to incorporate the scarves into their dance movements. They can wave them like flags, toss them in the air, or swirl them around in mesmerizing patterns. Dance parties not only promote physical fitness but also boost self-expression, creativity, and confidence in preschoolers.

Let the students’ imagination and creativity run wild when they play with these colourful scarves. Made of 100% nylon, these scarves can be put in the washing machine for easy cleaning. Scarves include hemmed edges for added durability.

Obstacle Course:

Products Needed: Cones, Tunnels, Balance Beams

Description: Setting up an obstacle course for children can be a fun and engaging activity! You can design the obstacle course layout, considering the age and abilities of the children participating. Create a course that includes activities like crawling, jumping, balancing, climbing, and running. Set up using items like cones, tunnels, and balance beams. Then, you can encourage preschoolers to crawl through tunnels, hop over cones, and balance on beams to complete the course. This activity promotes gross motor skills, coordination, and problem-solving as children navigate through obstacles.

River Balance Path provides unlimited possibilities or fun. The elements are easy to join and very flexible, so only the imagination sets limits to the course of the river.

Plastic Cones are great for classroom and game organization! Bright colours provide high visibility.

Tickle Me Sensory Tunnel promote the use of a child’s imagination while helping develop motor skills and muscle strength. With streamers hanging from the top, watch your little one crawl through the fun. There are also little shaped windows for educational purposes and extra fun. From room to room, make a never-ending maze as you slither around corners or pretend that you are on a “secret mission”.

Mini Olympics

Products Needed: Scooter Boards, Hoops, Playground Balls, Bean Bags

Description: Host a mini-Olympics using a variety of active play equipment. Set up stations with different challenges using scooter boards, different types of balls, hoops. Preschoolers can participate in activities such as scooter races, sport tournaments, and jumping through hoops. Create a scoreboard to track participants’ progress and celebrate their achievements with medals or ribbons. The mini-Olympics promote friendly competition, sportsmanship, and physical fitness in a fun and inclusive environment. At Quality Classrooms, it has become a tradition for staff to participate in the mini-Olympic tournament every year!

Each bean bag from Shapes Bean Bags is a different colour and shape-circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval, pentagon, hexagon and star-and embroidered with its name.

The Quality Classrooms Active Play Kit features 6x 21 cm rainbow playground balls, 6x 13 cm Sensory Playballs, 12 x 61 cm hoops, 10 colour bean bags, 8 number bean bags and 1 throw and catch game.

Make sure to check out our Size Guide: Playground Balls to determine the right ball size for your kids!

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Products Needed: Eggs, Sensory Balls

Description: Organize a scavenger hunt using eggs or sensory balls. Create a list of items for children to find in nature, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, or insects. Provide each child with a magnifying glass, binoculars, and a collection bag. Encourage children to explore the outdoor environment, searching for items on the scavenger hunt list. As they discover each item, they can observe it closely using magnifying glass and binoculars, promoting curiosity and scientific inquiry.

Size Sorting Eggs will help develop children’s comparison and sorting skills. The set of eight eggs is ideal to stimulate both language development and math skill as children sort the eggs by size and weight.

GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars are enlarged focus-free eyepieces, more than three times the size of ordinary binoculars, and perfect-fit goggles with placement guide enable kids (even toddlers) to see up close!

In the end, the journey of active play is not just about the physical activities or the games they play – it’s about the connection they form with their peers, and the environment. As children grow and learn, they will continue to embrace the beauty and wonder of nature, and carry the spirit of curiosity, exploration, and appreciation with them wherever they go. So let encourage the little ones to move around, to go outside, and let their imagination run wild!

January 23, 2024February 2, 2024

Your Guide to Creating a Lifelong Love for Reading

Children’s minds are often being compared to blank canvases, eagerly waiting for the brushstrokes of learning to make beautiful paintings. In these important formative years of their life, teachers play a crucial role, as you are the one who lays the foundations for young minds with each lesson and interaction. Reading, besides being a fundamental skill for students, can enrich the little ones’ world with knowledge, imagination, and creativity! In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of reading for children at an early age, as well as tips for educators to create an immersive and literacy-rich environment within the classroom!

Let’s delve into the wonderful world of books!

Section 1: Benefits & Importance of Reading for Children

Cognitive Skills & Creativity

Reading to children not only introduces them to new words but also enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and linguistic skills. The immersion in a world of diverse voices, characters, and narratives contributes significantly to the richness of their language. As children go through plots, decipher characters’ motives, and anticipate outcomes, they develop cognitive skills, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. When children explore the wonderful art of storytelling, they get to visualize characters, settings, and events happening in the book they read. They learn to think outside the box and let their imagination take flight!

Emotional Development

The characters in books serve as examples of different experiences, cultures, and emotions. Children can develop a better understanding of the world around them by reading books. It’s one of the best ways for children to learn different emotions, and one of the most needed skills: empathy. Secondly, great kids’ stories often mimic real-life challenges, allowing children to learn to navigate various situations. Whether it’s overcoming fears, dealing with loss, or understanding relationships, literature promotes emotional resilience in kids, and helps them to learn about real-life challenges. Lastly, books act as a mirror for children to self-reflect. As they go through stories, they relate with characters in books who deal with similar situations.

Social Development

When children read books aloud, it encourages verbal expressions, active listening, and the ability to use, and articulate words. Reading together in the classroom fosters a sense of connection and shared experience, helps kids to strengthen bonds with others, and promotes a sense of community and belonging. Different stories also open doors for children to learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Kids learn to appreciate the differences in people, fostering cultural awareness and tolerance.

Academic Success & More!

The love for reading naturally transcends academic success. A child with proficiency in reading and strong literacy skills is well equipped for school, daily communication, and life. They are more articulate with words and are also curious and motivated to learn more. Kids who develop a love for reading will know how to seek knowledge independently, and continuously.

A child and child sitting on a couch reading books

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Kids who develop a love for reading will also know how to seek knowledge independently, and continuously.

Section 2: Practical Tips for Fostering a Love of Reading

The People

Just like any good habit, it’s best to introduce books to children from a young age and make reading a part of their daily routine. As an early childhood educator, you are one of children’s earliest, and most important influences. You can demonstrate to children a love for reading by incorporating it into your own daily life! Come to class everyday excited and share your reading experience, along with any book recommendations. Engage children in discussions about the books they read. Encourage them to ask questions, share their thoughts, and connect the stories to their own experiences.

Selecting, and Reading Books

Choosing the right books to read for children is a task that requires more effort than it sounds! The two keywords to look for are: engagement, and value. Look for books that you know will engage the young minds, which usually are easy to read, to understand and have a variety of visuals. Strive for books that talk about core values like diversity (one of the most important topics today!), or books that present children to a range of different genres, cultures, and perspectives. These books, while carrying important lessons and values, are also easy to understand, which will transfer the lesson/knowledge seamlessly and effectively to the children’s mind.

The Voici series introduce children to great Canadians in the history, in our French language!

Becoming Resilient Books, Set of 4, Paperback

Becoming Resilient Books encourage children to try new things, embrace change and overcome obstacles! Focus: friendship, compromise acceptance, and respect.

Crayola World of Colour Book Series, Set of 6, Paperback

Crayola World of Colour Book Series celebrate the world of colour! Crisp photos and engaging text encourage readers to notice the colours all around us.

Science Rising Readers Book Set Explore science themes while learning important literacy skills through expertly leveled texts. Each of which supports life, earth, and physical science standards.

*The Kids Book of Aboriginal Peoples, Hardcover

The Kids Book of Aboriginal Peoples is a balanced, in-depth look at the cultures and triumphs of Canada’s first peoples. Exhaustively researched, this groundbreaking book is by far the most comprehensive of its kind.

The way you read to children can definitely affect their experience. Avoid monotone reading, but instead, try to be as expressive and lively as possible! Use exaggerated, and even animated facial expressions and gestures. Bring your tones up and down, to bring the story to life! Consider using extra props, visual aids and allow children to interact with a story in a lively, and immersive way. Props like puppets and flannel boards can leave a strong impression on young minds, as they provide multisensory experience, and make the story more memorable! Think of reading not as a passive activity, but as an interactive journey! You’re the tour guide, and coming with you are dozens of little explorers, ready to explore the beauty of literature. Encourage the young ones to interact by asking them open-ended questions, inviting predictions, and having discussions about characters and events. Questions like: “What do you think about X’s action?”, “What do you think will happen next?”, “How would you feel/what would you do if you were the main character?” will increase children’s comprehension and facilitate critical thinking. Asking kids to predict the ending will also help them to think creatively and anticipate events.

After the story ends, have a post-story discussion and let the children express their thoughts and feelings about the characters, and events. Dissecting the story together by asking kids to share their favourite characters, how do they feel about the story, or even reenact the scenes they like! These discussions not only enhance language skills but also foster a sense of community as children learn to articulate their thoughts and listen to others.

Fairy Tales Puppets make story time come alive! Children are more likely to recall details, make connections, and develop a lasting fondness for the world of literature. Includes Goldilocks and the Three Bears Puppets, the Three Billy Goats Gruff Puppets, and the Three Little Pigs Puppets.

Fairy Tales Flannel Boards contains all 6-fairy tales in one complete pack. Goldilocks, Little Red Hen, Three Little Pigs, Gingerbread Boy, Little Red Riding Hood, Billy Goats Gruff. Incorporate flannel boards to create interactive scenes where characters and elements can be moved and rearranged, fostering a deeper understanding of story structure and sequence.

The Reading Environment

The environment where reading activities happen plays a major role in children’s interest in books! One of the first steps you can take to make the classrooms more literature-friendly is to label spaces with words and pictures! Label different areas of the classroom with words and corresponding pictures can make everyday objects and spaces familiar to the young learners. This visual association aids in vocabulary development and reinforces the connection between spoken and written words. Having a word wall that shows frequently used words and their corresponding images can also be a good idea as children will engage with it daily. Encourage them to add new words and transform the wall into a collaborative learning space.

If you want to create a dedicated reading corner for kids, start thinking about the atmosphere! A reading corner is beyond a physical space, it should be inviting and inspiring. Have some cozy seating options like bean bags, sofas, or even tents, or nooks to create a sense of relaxation, and private space. Make reading corner a retreat for children where they can get comfortable and enjoy books after hours of studying.

We all remember the feeling when we walked into a bookstore. The smell of books, the quietness, and especially – the collection of great books just makes us want to lose ourselves for a couple of hours and delve into a book-finding adventure. In a similar vein, A book corner/center should have a rich and varied collection of books that inspire the young learners to come and explore! A good collection of books should not be determined by quantity of books but should be considered based on variation of books! Introducing children to different genres, authors, and cultures to broaden their literary palette. Rotate the placements of books on the shelves, so that children can find new books, and discover their unique interests!

Bamboo Book Display has a natural aesthetic better suited for neutral and early childhood environments.

Young Time Bookcase is perfect for housing children’s favourite stories and supplies. The two adjustable shelves allow you to adapt to the changing needs of an early learning space.

Read-a-Round Set provide youngsters with a comfortable nook to expand their reading proficiency while building their social skills.

Reading Nook with Bookshelves creates a fun gathering place for kids to read, socialize, or play games. It’s small enough to feel cozy but large enough for an adult to fit inside to read a story.

Bamboo Cozy Space features bamboo construction with an interior bookshelf, double-sided magnetic whiteboard, and a place to attach a blanket or lights to suit any child’s imagination. It offers a calm area in a classroom, while allowing a viewing area of the students inside.

Incorporating the Love for Reading in Daily Teachings

In daily lessons, educators can interpret different techniques and exercises to improve children’s literacy skills and love for reading. Nursery rhymes are age-old rhymes that often highlight distinct sounds and patterns, aiding children in developing an ear for language. You can encourage kids to participate by involving hand gestures and movements while singing the songs; this will make children’s phonemic exploration a joyful and multisensory experience.

Since literacy is such a crucial skill, it influences everything that children learn and will learn. That means it can and should be seamlessly integrated into every facet of a child’s learning process. Whether the young ones engage in imaginative play, building blocks, or exploring the outdoors, you should find opportunities to infuse language and storytelling into the activities! Games are great ways for children to learn words. Utilize games where children match letters with corresponding objects or engage in letter scavenger hunts around the classroom. The element of play not only makes learning fun but also reinforces letter and word recognition in a memorable way.

Every child is different, and you should pay close attention to each child’s progress, noting their strengths, areas for improvement, and unique learning styles. Understanding their individual needs enables you to tailor your approach, ensuring that every child receives the support required for optimal literacy development. For those ready to delve into more complex texts, provide enriching materials that stimulate advanced comprehension. On the other hand, they offer additional support and simpler materials for those who may need more reinforcement. Don’t forget to acknowledge and reward young learners when they reach a new milestone in their literacy journey, whether it’s recognizing a new letter, successfully sounding out a word, or completing a book.

Lastly, the journey to literacy doesn’t end within the classroom; it extends into the home. Regular communication, be it through newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, or dedicated reading events, keeps parents informed and involved in their child’s literary development!

The joy of reading!

November 15, 2023November 15, 2023

Teaching Children About Sustainability

Today, educating children about the importance of sustainability and the environment should be prioritized. As we become aware of the current state of our green planet, it’s crucial to instill the young ones’ minds with eco-conscious values and form sustainable habits in children so they can preserve the wellbeing of Mother Earth and live well in the future. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the importance of sustainability, as well as exploring some options to educate young minds to become the future caretakers of this planet.

Why do we teach children about sustainability?

First, we’ll explore the meaning of sustainability! The United Nations (UN) defines sustainability as: “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” A very simple, yet powerful explanation. The basic needs of people involve clean air, clean water, food, and shelter. All those four factors are heavily dependent on the state of the environment. We can say that environmental sustainability is vital because human survival depends on it. It is our responsibility to use the finite resources we have on Earth conservatively, and carefully so there is enough for future generations.

Teaching children about sustainability brings both short-term and long-term benefits! First, it teaches children about the impact of their actions. Recycling is not just about putting trash in the right bin, it’s about letting children know that one small action, when being done by multiple people repeatedly can create a huge effect around the globe. By understanding the implications and the power of their choice, children can develop a sense of environmental responsibility in their lives.

“Small choices become actions, actions become habits, and habits become our way of life”. The earlier you introduce children to sustainable practices, the more likely they are to become not just habits, but also a lifestyle of conserving the environment. Teaching children about sustainability helps them to analyze their environmental choices, hence fostering their critical thinking skills. As we all know, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential skills for everyone to navigate in the ever-changing world.

Sustainability is the key to protecting our shared home.

Teaching Children About Sustainability

From lectures to games, to outdoor learning, there are various ways to teach children about sustainability without sacrificing the fun factor! Here are some of our recommendations below:

In the Classroom

It is where children spend most of their time in. It’s important to create an environment where children can learn about sustainability, and openly discuss and ask questions about what it means. Teachers can integrate sustainability into the school curriculum, by giving lessons about climate change, global warming, and encouraging environmental conversation. Choose children’s books, stories that convey environmental messages. The power of storytelling is that it can deliver messages like biodiversity, environmental awareness in such simple, and attractive ways that children can easily absorb and remember for a long time. Encourage children, make them feel comfortable asking questions about sustainability and ways we can be more sustainable. This will deepen their understanding, improve their collaboration skills while empowering their thinking and choices.

As teachers, you are one of the first role models in children’s lives. Make sure to exercise sustainable practices, from putting trash in the correct bins, to spontaneous situations that require your decision-making, such as: finding a way to reduce waste, conserve the energy by turning off lights that are not in use, and other eco-friendly choices. Your actions are influential examples for the children to mimic, and to practice after.

Having a sustainability role model for children is important for them to mimic, and practice after.

The power of play is that it can make learning about anything fun! Similar to books, playing can instill messages in children’s minds in a seamless way. Tap into children’s inner creativity with eco-friendly themed arts and crafts projects. Use recycled materials, and at the same time, educate children on the importance of using such materials – how limiting the use of some harmful materials helps endangered species, and how repurposing materials can limit waste. Give children the freedom to do their own researched topics and do presentations in front of the class. This will help them actively look for information about environmental conservation, while learning new ideas from their peers. On a day-to-day basis, you can foster children’s love for nature by encouraging them to observe the environment outside their windows! From the change in seasons shown in the leaves, to the animals that sometimes cheekily appear and then disappear, letting children be aware of the diverse ecosystem around them can foster a love of environment in kids from an early age.

Get your creative music vibes going with this Rhythm Box. Inspired by the cajon hand drumming box, children can sit on the box and drum away creating rhythm and tempo.

Teach children meaningful lessons about sustainability while having fun playing!

Ecology Naturals Kraft Sheets is perfect for arts & crafts projects with an environmental theme.

Use this lightweight Natural Kraft paper for drawing or for decorative purposes.

Cork Stoppers’ sustainable production and ease of recycling make it the ideal choice for arts and crafts.

Cork stoppers are a versatile craft product. They are excellent for assembling dolls, animals and models.

Natural Lacing Frames, Set of 3 are made from sustainably-sourced birch plywood. The three lightweight wooden frames in this set are easy to manipulate as children explore by threading the holes with a variety of lacing materials.

Use wool, laces, string, or ribbons to create colourful compositions!

Technology could also be used to educate children about sustainability! There are a lot of interactive apps, and websites that let users take virtual tours, or play games and learn about the environment. Compared to traditional learning methods, these tools let children actively go and explore options to learn about sustainability. Inviting guest speakers to the classroom (or to school) to host sessions about sustainability could be another idea. With the power of technology, you can now invite virtual speakers to do webinar. These speakers – specialists in their area can provide real world examples and inspire children to pursue a career in sustainability in the future.

Within the school system, educators can also advocate for sustainable school policies, such as policies related to waste management, energy conservation, or the use of sustainable school supplies and toys. The school’s focus on sustainability will create a huge impact on the students and will effectively foster the message of being sustainable to all students in the school.

Colour code your files with these Fluorescent File Folders! Each package contains 10 folders in five assorted hot fluorescent colours: yellow, orange, red, pink, and green.

100% recycled and recyclable, these would make a great choice for classroom supplies.

Outside the Classroom

Outdoor learning allows children to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. Through direct experiences, they develop a deep connection and appreciation for the environment. Let the kids go outside, explore their surroundings, gather objects, or simply play in the backyard. This exposes them to plants, and animals, and strengthens their senses of wonder, empathy, and environmental stewardship, inspires them to care for and protect our planet.

Igneous Rock Collection brings Earth science lessons to life for students! Each specimen is handpicked for exceptional colour, texture, and beauty.

Features 12 large igneous rocks produced by hot volcanic magma action. Hide these in the playground and let children discover them!

Engage in the community surrounding your school is another exciting idea! Get permission from the community to do meaningful projects such as Community Gardens – where children can plant fruits and vegetables, take care of them, or plant trees. The simplest one to do is a neighbourhood cleanup, where kids go around the neighbourhood to clean trash. Involving children in these campaigns helps them to learn about the efforts of conserving the environment, promote their senses of civic duty and community.

Sprout and Grow Window helps to get a worm’s eye view of root growth. This transparent “nature’s window” allows gardeners of all ages to watch seeds sprout and grow into plants.

Teaches children how to grow, and the process of growing through this item!

Sustainability education can go beyond the classroom – try to involve parents! Educators can provide parents with guidance and resources on doing sustainable practices at home. Let them know every little choice matters, from reducing household waste to making eco-friendly consumer choices.

Bamboo-made Products: A Great Sustainable Choice for the Classroom

Bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice because it doesn’t die after harvesting. Instead, bamboo regrows from its stump, unlike traditional tree species. Additionally, bamboo is incredibly fast-growing and reaches maturity in just 4-5 years, while other types of trees like birch can take up to 40-50 years to mature enough for harvesting. Strong, durable, and beautiful, bamboo is a renewable resource that grows quickly and sequesters carbon, unlike metal which produces carbon.

Bamboo Deluxe Chart Stand has a natural aesthetic better suited for neutral and early childhood environments. It can hang both chart paper and pocket charts along with the ability to adjust the height of the whiteboard.

Bamboo Deluxe Chart Stand

techers showing children writings.

Bamboo ranks highest for resistance to denting and wear compared to other wood species. It also has a higher tensile strength than metal – It will take more force to break the bamboo than the metal!

Bamboo Shelving Unit has three shelves for storage and optional 6 tub configurations. It is at the ideal height for ECE students and educators to access toys, books and other supplies.

Bamboo is easy to care for: just wipe it down with soap and water.

Bamboo Book Browser Cart is designed to be used within a classroom for neutral and early childhood environments. It can be used as a mobile in-class library or for making space materials and tools.

The tubs are 100% recycled post-consumer plastic and can be easily removed.

Sustainability education for children calls for the collaboration between educators, parents, and the community. Despite being a considerable effort from all sides, the reward is satisfying. Raising a generation of eco-conscious people will be essential to help create a responsible and resilient world. By incorporating sustainability into classroom, school, home and beyond, we can help children build a long-lasting foundation for environmental stewardship!

Let us continue to nurture green minds!

September 11, 2023October 25, 2023

Fun and Inclusive Classroom Seating

September is the month of changes. The change in season – the cooler temperatures, shorter days, the vibrant transformation of leaves and the change in clothing – time to take out your jackets and boots! For students and educators, September signals the start of a new school year. This means new classes, & new daily routines. Teachers get to see the changes in students’ personalities and appearances after the summer. On this educational adventure with the young ones, it’s also important that you make changes in the classrooms to adapt with the learning needs of students. Seats are especially important because students spend most of their days sitting on them! In this blog, we look at alternative seating – an excellent substitute for traditional classrooms chairs and tables.

Why Alternative Seating?

When we think of alternative seating, we usually think of yoga balls, or odd-looking seats that allow children to move, interact with. This offsets the common perception of classroom seating, which includes desks, or tables and chairs facing the front of the classroom. Although this is the classic classroom arrangement, tables and chairs are usually inflexible. It’s difficult to move them around, and everyone knows the tedious screeching noise they always make! Sitting in conventional chairs for a long period of time can also result in students sitting in poor posture, and potential health issues in the future. Alternative seating, however, allows children to wobble, rock, bounce, pedal, and so much more. They make it easier to move around and encourage children to be more alert and active. As we all know, physical activity is related to more effective learning, better health, and improved conduct in children.

Adjustable Wiggle Stool has an extra-thick padded seat that allows for comfortable all-day use. The tamper-proof adjustable height reduces distractions and helps promote a focused environment. The base is angled for improved posture and provides stability, even when over-tipped.

Adjustable Wiggle Stool
children sitting

Chairs designed for active sitting like the wiggle stool, or balance balls can also promote core strength!

Kids get to choose the seating that best suits their learning style and comfort. By providing students with a variety of seating options, such as bean bags, floor cushions, standing desks, teachers also empower them to make decisions that affect their learning process. As they get to pick the variety of high, medium, low seating, the type of seat, and the space to sit, they will experiment with different options and find out the one that works best for them. This will increase their commitment to learn, spark their creativity and innovative thinking.

Comfort is crucial in the learning process, as an uncomfortable student not only cannot focus on their own tasks, but also potentially influence badly on others. Finding comfortable seating will help students tremendously in their learning, as it helps to improve attention span, concentration, and even reduce stress.

Bean Bag Chair offer relaxed seating that molds the body’s contour! This bean bag is lightweight and is great for individual or social seating.

Bouncyband Sensory Peanut Ball helps calm and relax kids by giving them a sense of security and well-being. The soothing effect relieves anxiety and restlessness and improves concentration and behaviours. The dipped sitting “saddle” position enables greater stability while developing balance and coordination.

Bouncyband Sensory Peanut Ball
children sitting

Comfortable seating options like bean bags and cushions help children relax and focus on their tasks. When students are comfortable, they are less likely to be distracted!

Alternative seating also stimulates teamwork & communication! They allow students to quickly move around and form teams with each other, without having to move the desks (screeechh!) or move into others’ desks. Compared to traditional desks and chairs where everyone has their own seats – a distinct place and space, alternative seating allows students to have control over the learning environment, and more mobility. The classroom becomes everyone’s space to share! The design of alternative seating also implies a more welcoming, collaborating nature, and will encourage students to communicate and share with each other more. Hence, group work becomes more interactive and engaging!

Sit-N-Gym has little feet to prevent them from rolling away when used as a sitting ball. It encourages dynamic sitting through gentle body movements that improves blood circulation. It also promotes proper body alignment for better posture.

How to spark up a conversation? Hop on this and jump over to your friend!

Alternative seating can fulfill students’ specific needs. Some seats help kids to develop their sense of touch. Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can enjoy alternative seating as they allow them to be active and release excess energy while learning. Students with emotional issues, and prone to stress can rely on alternative seating which has comfortable, soothing design. Every student has a different learning style. Some kids work well in quiet environments like the library, while others strive in an active and dynamic classroom. Alternative seating recognizes this need in students and fulfils it with different options.

BouncyBand Balance Chair reduces fidgeting and increases concentration with an original weighting feature that prevents the ball from rolling, keeping it in place when not in use. Active seating improves focus and provides an outlet for excess energy alleviating anxiety, stress, and boredom. Builds core strength and a healthy posture.

BouncyBand Balance Chair
children playing

Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, alternative seating can adapt to specific student’s needs to improve their learning process.

Alternative seating helps to build a positive and inclusive classroom. As students feel like their opinions are valued, they will develop a positive attitude towards learning and their classmates. Giving students choices and ownership develops their self-confidence and responsibilities, which are two essential skills to success. Alternative seating can help the classroom become more inviting, making kids eager to come to school. When we think about alternative seating, one of the first few words that come to our mind is always “fun”!

ErgoErgo is an extraordinary seating concept combining the benefits of active sitting with a bold contemporary design. It is comfortable, durable, and perfect for classrooms, libraries or just relaxing. It’s ergonomic and versatile enough to be used at your desk.

After sitting on ErgoErgo, ordinary chairs seem…well, just ordinary.

Alternative Seating Options for The Classroom

A few alternative seating options you should know about and consider for the next school year:

Wiggle Stool have rounded or rocking bases which will help students to be active while sitting. This is an excellent choice for students that need extra movements throughout the day.

Balance Balls are large, inflatable balls that help with posture and balance.

Cushions/Floor Seating are popular because of their prices and versatility. These types of seating allow more space for movement and are easy to move around.

Couches, Futon and Sofas make a great seating option in the classroom, not only because of their relaxing nature, but also because of the aesthetic value they bring to the classroom.

Rocking Chairs and Swing Seats provide a unique experience as they add the rocking/swinging motion, which gives off a familiar, calming effect to help children ease off and concentrate.

Folding Seats has many benefits. Not only do they take up little space so teachers can organize more activities without having to move furniture around, but they also have a variety of colours and price range to choose from!

Stools allow students to adopt different, and healthier postures than conventional seating options.

BouncyBand products offer options to transform traditional chairs and desks, so they become more adaptable to students’ needs!

The Active Floor Seat creates a comfortable learning environment. The ball top provides movement, enhancing focus for active children. You can use it for exercise, rehabilitation, or as a balance trainer.

Cozy Woodland Carry Me Cushions give students a comfortable place to sit during story time playtime or any floor activity. The foam cushions feature a durable wipe-clean cover and carrying handle.

Cozy Woodland Carry Me Cushions
children playing

Some Floor Seating options for the classroom!

Bouncyband Calming & Fun Sensory Rocker provides active movement, deep pressure, and sensory stimulation to calm and aid with fidgeting and restlessness. Children can rock and expel excess energy while being soothed and comforted with deep pressure.

Bouncyband Calming & Fun Sensory Rocker
children playing

Rocking is an excellent way to receive vestibular stimulation, strengthen muscles and develop a sense of balance.

Raylax Chair is great for story time, circle time or classroom discussion. Chairs can be used in numerous positions and by all ages.

Folding Seats have reclining backrest adjusts to 10 positions for comfortable floor seating.

These seats can be folded to save space!

Bouncyband for Desks enable kids to have an outlet for excess energy while working, alleviating anxiety, hyperactivity, and boredom, and increasing focus and performance. The patented design keeps the bands elevated for continuous silent use.

Bouncyband Wiggle Feet Sensory Foot Rest quietly enables movement while working to foster the ability to stay on task and be more productive. One side feature flexible nub, while the other offers small bumps to facilitate just the right amount of tactile stimulation. Excellent for bilateral coordination, improving balance and stabilization.

Bouncyband Wiggle Feet Sensory Foot Rest
children playing

BouncyBands transform the traditional desks & chairs to adapt to students’ needs!

Setting Up Alternative Seating in the Classroom

Setting up alternative seating in the classroom is a rewarding process, knowing that your actions contribute to a more positive, and innovative learning environment! It all starts with you researching different types of alternative seating options (like reading this blog!) and consider the most suitable ones for your objectives and budget. Define your goal when implementing alternative seating. Do you plan to improve focus, or make your classrooms more interactive?

Next, look at your classroom layout and available space. Not all classrooms have ample space or are designed to have seats arrangements. When creating a seating plan, make sure it is optimized with your classroom’s layout, and be aware of any health regulation that is implemented in your school. Kids should have enough space to move around comfortably, and to carry on with their learning activities. Involve your students in the process too! Let them know about the benefit of alternative seating and ask for their opinions about what they love to have in the classrooms.

Establish rules, and expectations when using alternative seating options with children. Discussing topics like taking care of the furniture and respecting others’ choices will help the young ones to be more responsible and caring for the products. Carefully assess the impact of alternative seating options as you implement them in the classrooms. Do the students enjoy them? Do their academic performances improve? Collect feedback from the kids!

Finally, remember to maintain a flexible mindset when applying alternative seating options in the classroom. Be open to altering your teaching methods and activities to include these fun, comfortable seats in the teaching process. At the end of the school year, organize your findings, and share with your colleagues to promote the benefits of alternative seating!

August 14, 2023October 25, 2023

Back To School: Tips to Prepare for a Successful School Year

Ah, that bittersweet moment when you hear the word “school” again. Just moments ago, you were on the beach with your flip flops, applying sunscreen on your skin, enjoying a refreshing drink, and then August arrives. It seems like any minute from now, you are going to hear the lovely sound of the alarm clock again, eager to tell you to wake up and start the day. Going back to school is definitely an emotional experience! It could mean happiness and surprise, seeing all the faces, the changes in your students, and colleagues. It could also mean worries, uncertainties, and even a little bit of excitement thinking about the next journey that you and your students will go through together. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you prepare for the next school year, check them out below, and hopefully it will help you better prepare for your next adventure with the young ones!

A Welcoming Classroom

Creating an inviting environment in the classroom provides the foundation for a positive learning experience. Objects in the classroom will be one of the first things students notice and interact with, so it’s important to decorate your classroom with eye-catching displays such as colourful paintings, and inspiring quotes. Set up desks, tables, and cabinets in a way that makes it easy for communication between students. Organizing the desks strategically can encourage interaction and teamwork, fostering a sense of belonging among students. Shifting the classroom layout also helps to keep the classroom new and motivate the pupils. Finally, you can add small but meaningful touches like printing out students’ names, or display students’ artworks from last year. These small details will make the learners feel more valued and help to build strong relationships throughout the school year. Purchase for yourself a new planner, tote bag, and other necessary items too!

After the students get acquainted with the new classroom’s decorations and set-up, it’s your turn to make them feel comfortable! As a teacher, you play an important role in supporting and welcoming each child. Put on a big smile, warmly welcome them, and ask them questions about their eventful summer. These small talks not only help to build rapport, but also make them feel like they are in a safe and inclusive environment. Be excited about the upcoming plan for the school year. This will ignite a sense of curiosity in the students, help to create a positive atmosphere from day one. When every child is calmly seated, it’s time to talk about classroom rules! Clear sets of expectations and boundaries are essential for maintaining order and promoting a productive learning environment. Of course, you don’t have to be the sole rule-maker of the classroom! Talk to the students about the guidelines, what they think of them, discussing the reasons behind each one to help them understand the purpose. Keep the language straight-forward and use a positive tone to go with it. Check out the Good Behaviour Buckets, as these are examples of how you can reward/discipline students’ behaviours in a light-hearted manner. Instruct students on what to do in daily morning meetings, transitions between classes, and various activities throughout the day. Establishing good routines can reduce anxiety and increase focus, allowing students to feel more secure and confident in their learning environment. For the first few lessons of the school year, make sure to incorporate in lots of interactive activities to get your learners involved, and for them to get to know each other.

Everyone is Welcome Poster Set: These colourful and engaging posters are perfect for classrooms! Important messages can be referred to as needed, from “Slow down deep breath start again” to “We are all in this together, be kind” and more, these encouraging phrases will inspire. This set consists of 7 posters.

Colour Harmony Calendar: Celebrate special days in colourful style! Includes calendar, 12-month labels, 7 days of the week labels, 4 seasons labels, season/weather chart, 33 date markers, 44 holidays/special day markers, Today/Tomorrow/Yesterday chart, weather graph and 2 arrows.

A few great classrooms decorations for the classrooms.

Sparkle Stickers Variety Pack: Shiny stickers for rewards or decoration. Include Bots and Bolts, Fish Pirates and Crew, Flittering Fairies, Gnome Sweet Gnome, Mermaids and Friends, Sparkly Space Stuff, Sparkly Unicorns. 77 designs.

Good Behaviour Buckets: Students learn how to fill their buckets with kindness, attentiveness, and other positive social-emotional skills with these Good Behavior Buckets. Positive behaviors land in the sunny orange bucket, while negative behaviors land in the stormy purple bucket.

Fun items to use for reward/discipline students.

A Positive Learning Experience

Each student has their own pace of learning, with different needs and abilities. Differentiate your instruction to cater to these diverse needs. You can start modifying your daily plans, starting with the content you show students! Instead of teaching the lesson in a fixed/designated way, educators can offer students with different options of how they would like to study this to meet the objective. Some students love to have lots of visual or auditory aids, while others like hands-on experience. Group work is also extremely valuable. Kids can learn so well from each other as they use the same expressions, relatable language that they can understand. Organize plenty of group work sessions, and group students based on their specialties and how well they complement each other. This also applies to the assignments you give students. Grant them options to present their understanding of the lessons, such as letting them write a song, a story, a speech, a presentation, or an art project! These assessments will also give you more information to help you tailor your teaching methods to ensure the kids’ success.

Taking your time and effort to get to know students as individuals can make you a more effective educator. It is also essential for creating a healthy, and inclusive learning environment. Dedicate your time in a day to get to know your students. Beyond knowing your students’ names, basic personality traits, dig deeper to learn about their interests, strengths, and backgrounds. Show genuine interest in their well-being and celebrate their achievements, both academic and personal. Give them constructive feedback and acknowledge their efforts to boost their self-esteem and motivation. Create a safe and supportive space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their thoughts.

Art Start Kit: A must for every classroom, this kit contains a huge number of unique products for your favourite projects. Perfect for all types of collage or 3D crafts. Store leftover products in the neat storage box to reuse again and again. Includes idea guide. Packaged in a handy plastic storage container.

Art Time Dough, Assorted, 1.4 kg, Set of 6: Pliable, safe and easy for children to work with, Art Time Dough is great for a variety of modeling projects. Brightly coloured with a pleasant smell, this soft, malleable dough is easy to clean up and can be used repeatedly when stored in its airtight plastic tub.

Let students present what they learned in different ways, such as an art project!

Human Paper Shapes Kit: An open-ended collection of popular shapes cut from 8 different skin tone papers. These shapes are of terrific value and can be bases for many activities, puppets, portraits, name tags, desk markers, community helpers, story starters, decorations and more!

Conversation Cubes, Set of 6: Spark discussions on the first day and beyond. Colourful cubes feature 36 engaging questions about student experiences and perspectives, including What are you most proud of? Who is the bravest person you know? Includes activity guide.

Get closer to your students with these conversation-starters!

Encourage Creativity

Elementary school children are at the age where they love to explore different art forms, work on puzzles/problem-solving issues and enhance their creativity. It is a crucial time to give them opportunities to play and create. Start asking students open-ended questions, encourage them to work together on activities that require communication and problem-solving skills. Integrating arts such as music, paintings, cinema, creative writings into daily lessons can also foster students’ imagination and inspire them to create. Books are great choices as they include a lot of eye-catching visuals and creative stories. As an educator, don’t forget to share your own creative work, and tips on how to be more creative with students. Embracing mistakes and reflecting on oneself is also an important process of creativity! Encourage children to take on challenges, and view failure as a part of a learning process. It will help them to become resilient and more successful in life.

Inuit Stories Series, Set of 5: Beautifully illustrated legends and stories from Canada’s northern communities. Four books (Fishing with Grandma, The Legend of the Fog, The People of the Sea and Siuluk: The Last Tuniq).

Eye-catching visuals and great storytelling will help to nourish children’s creativity.

Classpack Tangrams, Set of 30: The tangram is a 7-piece square puzzle. The whole class can practice problem-solving with tangrams in 6 colours: red, blue, yellow, green, orange and purple. Includes teaching notes and a reusable storage container.

Conflict Resolution Games, Set of 6: A unique set of games that focuses on how to recognize conflict, how to handle it and how to resolve differences in a more positive solution-focused way. Each game and activity are designed to teach children about common conflict situations, how to recognize different emotional triggers, and how to understand and apply different conflict resolution techniques.

Games to help young learners practice problem-solving skills.

Supplies

For teachers, happiness equals shopping for new supplies. The new pencils’ smell, the shiny, bright colours of new storage bins…just thinking about them excites every teacher’s heart and mind! Jokes aside, colourful stationery is a staple for elementary school children. Fill pencil cases/storage boxes with a flamboyant mixture of pencils, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, and washable markers. Not only do these items spark creativity, but they also stimulate young minds to pick up a pen and start writing or drawing. Small items like sticky notes could also make a huge difference in children’s organization and learning.

Crayola Coloured Pencils Classpack, Set of 462: The classpack gives students more than enough pencils to go around. 462 thick, pre-sharpened pencils in 14 rich, vivid colours. Convenient packs make them easy to store and use, too. Non-toxic. Includes 12 hand-held sharpeners.

*Best Buy Washable Markers, Assorted, Set of 200: Best Buy markers offer great quality multi-purpose markers at superb value. 25 broad tip markers each of 8 colours. Wash most fabrics and skin with soap and water. Includes a reusable case.

Don’t you just want to pick these freshly sharpen pencils and start drawing out your imagination?

Activity Trays, 12″ x 16″, Assorted Colours, Set of 12: Keep your art and craft table clean with this useful tray. Use it to contain paint and water spills. It can also be used for sorting and counting activities. The lip around the tray ensures that the beads, crayons and supplies don’t roll away.

Create-a-Space Storage Center: Make a meeting place for creative minds. The Create-a-Space Storage Center brings an easy, convenient way to organize and present everyday “maker” materials in the classroom. This bright and cheerful set includes a 30 cm (12″) circular tray with 8 colourful containers.

Art Time!

The new school year is almost here, and early childhood educators have a new opportunity to ignite a lifelong love for learning in children. Shop for new supplies, decorate the classroom, get to know your students are some great activities you can do to create a positive, and inclusive learning environment where your students can grow academically and emotionally. Each child is unique and is a joy to get to know of, and by embracing their strengths, and their differences, you can empower them and help them to get to their full potential. Begin the new school year with enthusiasm and dedication, knowing that your efforts will have a tremendous impact on the lives of your young learners. Oh, and don’t forget to have fun while doing so. Here’s to a fresh start & another successful academic year ahead!

July 10, 2023October 25, 2023

The Benefits of Outdoor Learning in the Summer

Summer is here! The temperature rises, the day stretches longer, and the natural environment offers countless opportunities for exploring. It’s the time of year when nature transforms into a vibrant playground, inviting children to venture outside and explore. In a world where screens and technology have become a dominant part of everyday life, summer serves as a refreshing opportunity to introduce outdoor learning and reignite the wonder and curiosity that lies within our children. Check out this blog for some benefits of outdoor learning in the summer, and great activities recommendations!

Product in picture: Nature to Play Double Bench

1. Physical Health and Well-being:

Summer provides an abundance of chances for children to engage in physical exercise. Whether they’re running, swimming, biking, or participating in sports, these activities promote cardiovascular fitness, muscle development, and overall physical health. The generous amount of sunlight during the summer months also helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for having strong bones and a healthy immune system. Additionally, outdoor play encourages children to be active, boosting their energy levels and improving sleep patterns, which benefits their general wellbeing.

Fun activities to do: Outdoor sports and games are a fantastic way to keep children active. Organize friendly games of tag, capture the flag, or hide-and-seek in a park or backyard. Set up a mini soccer field or basketball court to encourage team play and friendly competition. Take them swimming, running, or simply just strolling around the neighbourhood in this great weather. Get them on bicycles & ride ons! They help children develop gross motor skills, balance, and agility.

Winther Viking Trike has a harmonious, safe design with no sharp edges, and strong, oval-shaped tubes ensure maximum strength. It features a weather-resistant rubber seat, solid rubber handlebar grips, effective rust protection and impact-resistant powder coating that will last for many years.

Tilo Three Wheeled Scooter features high quality steel bearings, powder coated steel frame. Tilo’s quality and safety standards allow children the freedom to experience the joy of motion, the confidence of speed and the adventure of exploration.

Winther Viking Trike
Tilo Three Wheeled Scooter

2. Cognitive Development:

Outdoor learning greatly stimulates cognitive development. Children can touch, smell, hear, and see a multitude of elements, supporting sensory integration and cognitive processing. Outdoor environments also propose unlimited options for imaginative play, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Whether it’s building a fort, creating a nature-inspired artwork, or navigating a nature trail, children are challenged to think creatively and develop innovative solutions, enhancing cognitive flexibility and resilience.

Fun activities to do: Nature scavenger hunts are fantastic ways to engage children in exploration and observation. Create a list of items commonly found in nature, such as specific leaves, rocks, flowers, animal tracks, or natural artifacts like feathers or pinecones. Provide each child with a checklist or a small bag to collect their findings as they venture outdoors. This activity not only motivates children to explore their surroundings but also stimulates critical thinking skills as they search for and identify various elements of nature. It sparks curiosity and enriches their knowledge of the natural world, making them more observant and attentive to their environment.

Nature Feel & Find are over-sized, unrefined wood textures and nature-inspired shapes to elevate the classic discovery game. Use tactile senses to determine the hidden shapes in the canvas bag that correspond to the matching bases.

Rainbow Pebbles is ideal for developing fine motor skills and for counting, sorting and creative design. Includes 36 plastic pebbles in 6 sizes and 6 colours and 20 double-sided full-colour activity cards in a sturdy plastic container. How many pebbles can you stack before they topple over?

Great tools to use in Nature Scavenger Hunt game that helps children identify elements of nature.

3. Experiential Learning:

Summer outdoor learning presents rich, hands-on experiences that deepen children’s understanding of various subjects. By observing and interacting with the natural world, they can explore scientific ideas. Perceiving the life cycles of plants, studying insects, or carrying out easy experiment’s outdoors are all enjoyable pastimes. Additionally, learning about ecosystems, climate, and environmental sustainability through direct experiences fosters a deeper understanding of these topics. Experiential learning also stirs up curiosity and problem-solving skills, as children naturally encounter real-world challenges and find solutions within the context of their environment.

Fun activities to do: Gardening! It is a rewarding outdoor activity that teaches children about the life cycle of plants, the importance of protecting the environment, and the delight of growing their own food. Create a small garden patch or provide children with their own pots or containers. Let them choose the plants they want to grow, whether it’s flowers, vegetables, or herbs. Teach them about soil preparation, planting, watering, and maintaining their garden. They can watch the growth process, learn about pollination and beneficial insects, and even harvest the fruits of their labor. Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and an appreciation for the cycles of life.

Sprout and Grow Window helps to get a worm’s eye view of root growth. This transparent “nature’s window” allows gardeners of all ages to watch seeds sprout and grow into plants. Stands upright on a tabletop or windowsill. Special potting soil nurtures seeds for optimum growth. Comes with packets of bean and pea seeds and a step-by-step guide with instructions, suggested activities, and journal pages to fill in as you follow the process from seed planting to full-grown plants.

4. Connection with Nature:

Outdoor learning in the summer allows children to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. Through direct experiences, they develop a deep connection and appreciation for the environment. Exploring forests, hiking trails, or simply playing in the backyard exposes them to diverse ecosystems, plants, and animals. This connection strengthens a sense of wonder, empathy, and environmental stewardship, inspires them to care for and protect our planet. Additionally, spending time in nature has been linked to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and increased overall well-being, developing a balanced and harmonious lifestyle.

Rusty Keeler’s “Nature to Play” outdoor furniture collection allows children to dig into childhood and play without reservation in a natural playscape that is built just for them. Children may take charge of their own learning experiences and participate in activities that are healthy for both their minds and bodies, as the Nature to Play collection is designed to be open-ended play. The furniture is made from thermally modified, weather-resistant wood to withstand long-term, rough-and-tumble play.

Nature to Play Water Tower can be easily attaches to a standard garden hose, making it a simple, kid-activated water source.

Nature to Play Trough System let children explore physics and cause and effect principles by pouring buckets of water. It is designed to work with the Water Tower to provide unlimited opportunities for kid-lead, water-based activities.

Observe the cascading water and other messy elements!

Nature to Play Loose Parts is inspired by construction and lumber yards. These durable, yet lightweight Kid Boards are an oversized version of your child’s beloved indoor block set. Kid board encourage teamwork and communication skills during collaborative building projects.

These strong boards are made to inspire creativity and captivate children with unlimited play possibilities!

Nature to Play Mini Spool can be used as a table, stool, or turn it on its side and roll it around the yard during gross-motor activities. The Mini Spool encourages children to use their imaginations and play in creative, open-ended ways.

The Spool can withstand continued outdoor use and rough play!

Nature to Play Water Table brings the fun to water play! Fill the two large basins of this sturdy Water Table and let kids splash around and explore with all their senses. Bring in materials like water, sand, shaving cream or slime and encourage messy play during collaborative projects and social interaction around the large worksurface.

Store mud tools, buckets, and Nature to Play Crates on the convenient bottom shelf.

Nature to Play Planter is a large, reinforced basin with built-in drain allows for social interaction and collaboration while children dig, discover, explore and grow a variety of different plants.

So many fun activities can be done with the Nature to Play collection!

5. Social and Emotional Development:

The outdoors serves as a natural setting for social interaction and the development of social skills. Collaborative outdoor activities, such as team sports or nature-based projects, push for cooperation, communication, and teamwork. Children learn to negotiate, share, and respect each other’s ideas and opinions. Furthermore, the open spaces, freedom, and unstructured play that the outdoors provide can contribute to emotional well-being. It enables children to release energy (especially when they need to “let off steam”), reduce stress, and improve their mood. Nature’s tranquility and beauty can have a calming effect on their emotions, nourishing a sense of peace, joy, and overall mental health.

Fun activities to do: Outdoor art activities allow children to combine their creativity with the beauty of nature. Provide them with art supplies like chalk, paints, or watercolors and let their imaginations soar! They can create colorful murals on sidewalks, paint landscapes inspired by the scenery, or use natural materials like leaves and flowers to make nature-inspired collages. This activity not only stimulates their artistic abilities but also encourages a deeper appreciation for the environment. Children can learn to observe nature’s colors, textures, and patterns, translating them into their artwork. Outdoor art fosters self-expression, boosts confidence, and builds a connection between creativity and the natural world.

Outdoor Acrylic Art Easel let kids enjoy nature and paint freely wherever they want. This painting easel has a durable frame made with 100% recycled plastic lumber that can withstand the elements. It does not rot or splinter (like some wood) or rust (like metal). The double-sided painting surface is made of hardened acrylic board and includes a removable paint tray with 6 spill-proof caps. The paint pots are accessible from both sides, allowing for space for two budding artists to create.

Create together with the Outdoor Acrylic Art Easel.

Pull up a bench to Nature to Play Outdoor Table for messy crafts, a picnic of veggies or collaborative activity. Large work surfaces provide ample room for social interactions and teamwork!

6. Building Resilience:

Outdoor learning in the summer brings up independence and resilience in children. They have the freedom to explore, make decisions, and take risks in a monitored and supportive environment. This independence fuels self-confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of empowerment. Outdoor adventures also present opportunities to overcome obstacles, adapt to new environments, and develop resilience. Whether it’s building a shelter, overcoming a fear of heights on a climbing wall, or navigating a challenging hiking trail, children learn to persevere, problem-solve, and bounce back from setbacks. These experiences build character, grit, and the ability to face future challenges with confidence.

Fun activities to do: Take children on nature walks or hikes opens a world of exploration and discovery. Visit nearby parks, forests, or nature reserves, allowing them to immerse themselves in the wonders of the outdoors. Encourage children to take note of and pick up on the many plant and animal species they come across along the route. Provide field guides or nature identification apps to help them identify trees, birds, insects, or other wildlife. Incites little ones to ask questions, explore different habitats, and appreciate the interconnectedness of nature. This practice promotes a sense of curiosity, enhances observation skills, and deepens their understanding of the natural world, developing a lifelong appreciation for the environment.

Natural Shape Viewers inspires children to explore their environment with new enthusiasm and focus. Encourage children to use them around the setting to find items of similar shape or to focus attention on things they choose to investigate. The viewers are designed to frame a particular item or area in the natural world and will enable children to really look at the detail.

Includes circle, square, rectangle, triangle, and hexagon.

In conclusion…

As the sun sets on another long July day, it’s clear that outdoor learning has created a tapestry of joy, growth, and connection for our children. Every time spent in nature, from the early morning runs to the late-afternoon picnics, has served as a reminder of the many beauties that are waiting outside our door. As parents, by encouraging exploration, nurturing curiosity, and fostering a sense of stewardship for the environment, we equip children with invaluable tools for a lifetime of adventure and appreciation. We have the power to inspire and ignite a love for the outdoors in our children.

And what better time to do so than during the bright, warm days of summer?