Homemade mud pits, water stations, secret places, gardens to tend… help families bring nature play into their backyards with our ‘Natural Playspaces for Families’ info sheet.
Subject Area: Playspace
This blog from the Tinkergarten community, supports families, leaders and those attending Tinkergarten outdoor playgroups. Blog posts are categorised for ease of use and include early learning, parenting, nature, meet our team and #OutdoorsAll4 which encourages outdoor play throughout all seasons.
Includes optional access to a free weekly newsletter of outdoor ideas and activities.
This 84-page guide has a strong focus on nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of families, including providing accessible, nature-based methods that can be practiced at home, your neighbourhood and nearby nature.
This enchanting App allows you to explore galaxies, stars, constellations, planets, and satellites above you with a point of your phone. It can be used during the day but it really comes alive in the night sky. With an etherial backing track, your children will be amazed at what they see, learn star names and map the sky track of objects with the Sky Path feature. Additional features are Night Mode to preserve your night vision and Social to take and share images with friends through social media. WiFi is not required to function so you can take it camping, sailing or even on a plane. Stargazing is a great outdoor family activity that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your backyard.
Excellent resource full of great ideas and imagery to help families and care providers restore nature to children’s everyday outdoor play and learning environments. Includes information on the developmental benefits of nature play,the importance of risk taking, where to start and how to implement change in your play space. Includes a list of suggested materials to introduce, different types of settings, how to manage a nature play space and the importance of getting children’s input right from the beginning.
This article from father of two, David Davis, explains why exploring the wilderness of the sky from your own back yard can be a great way to get more ‘green time’ into your family routine. He shares his humorous tips and tricks for getting started, realistic expectations and suggestions for basic (and affordable) equipment to make the experience a success.
Current research shows that our children are more anxious and depressed than at any other time in history. Psychologist and mother of two, Kristina Towill, shares why play is critical to children’s brain development and why free, unstructured play outdoors with friends is the easiest and most effective way for children to learn essential life skills and competencies. Includes advice on how to take action and create change.
Length: 7m : 14s
Current research shows that our children are more anxious and depressed than at any other time in history. Psychologist and mother of two, Kristina Towill, shares why play is critical to children’s brain development and why free, unstructured play outdoors with friends is the easiest and most effective way for children to learn essential life skills and competencies. Includes advice on how to take action and create change.
Length: 8m : 55s
Beautiful prose by poet Hollie McNish supported by inspiring footage of an overnight family camp and Saturday morning club at Hidden Woods, UK.
Length: 3m : 31s
Outdoor Nature Art teacher Marghanita Hughes tells listeners about her childhood adventures in the Scottish highlands, where creativity was nurtured and inspired by the environment. Marghanita talks about the importance of role modelling positive, attentive relationships to each other and specialises in reconnecting children and adults with nature through meaningful art.
Length: 29m : 39s