Last weekend it felt as though spring had finally arrived. The sun was shining, the air felt warmer, and it was easy to imagine that winter had quietly slipped away for another year. But this week the weather reminded us that winter isn’t quite ready to retire just yet. Wind and rain returned, puddles formed, and the woodland quickly became thick with mud once again.
For the children, this changing weather creates endless opportunities for exploration. Wet ground invites experimentation as mud becomes something to mould, shape, squash and transform. Children quickly discover that the materials around them behave differently depending on the conditions.
Wet ground invites experimentation as mud becomes something to mould, shape, squash and transform. As they play, children discover that the materials around them behave differently depending on the conditions — wetter, stickier, heavier or smoother.
Outdoors itself becomes part of the play. Children notice textures, surfaces and patterns as they move through the space, experimenting with how materials interact with the natural environment around them. In places like our woodland, learning often begins with the environment itself, inviting children to explore, test ideas and gradually come to understand the landscape around them.
When the wind arrived later in the week it brought a completely different set of possibilities. Gusts became something to play with, investigate and even measure, turning the weather itself into part of the learning experience.
Weeks like this are a reminder that nature doesn’t present children with neatly planned activities. Instead it offers possibilities. Wind, water, mud and natural materials all invite children to explore, experiment and test their ideas.
And one this was very clear, Spring may be on its way — but winter clearly wanted to remind us it wasn’t quite finished yet!
Next time it rains try catching a raindrop on your tongue and see what it tastes like!
Cambusbarron Village Nursery 