Outdoor Learning

After a long, hot summer, the arrival of Autumn brings noticeable changes to the world around us. The days gradually become shorter, the temperature starts to drop and the outdoors begins to look different as leaves change colour and plants prepare for winter.

For young children, these changes provide a wonderful opportunity to explore, observe and learn about the natural world around them.

Discovering changes in the garden

Children are naturally curious, and the garden is full of things to notice as one season gives way to another. At Pendley Day Nursery, we have a small garden where children can get involved in planting and growing, from tomatoes and flowers to watching what happens as the seasons change.

A leaf that was green a few weeks ago might now be yellow, orange or brown. Seeds, conkers and berries may start appearing, while some flowers begin to fade and different plants come into their own.

These simple changes can lead to lots of questions: Why do the leaves change colour? Where have all the bees gone? What are the birds eating? Why are there more leaves on the ground?

There doesn't always need to be an immediate answer. Sometimes, simply encouraging children to look closely, ask questions and make their own observations is where the learning begins.

Looking out for wildlife

The garden isn't just home to plants, it’s also a habitat for all sorts of wildlife, making it a great place for children to discover more about the natural world.

They might spot a spider weaving a web, find a ladybird hiding amongst the leaves or watch birds searching for food. Looking for minibeasts, listening for birds and noticing the different creatures that visit the garden helps children begin to understand that they are part of a much bigger natural world.

What can they see? What can they hear? Can they find something that is tiny, something that is soft or something that has changed since they were last outside?

These experiences help develop children's observational skills while introducing new words and ideas in a natural and enjoyable way.

Learning through nature

With Tring Park, Northchurch Common and Ashridge right on our doorstep, there are plenty of opportunities to discover nature beyond the garden. We have access to an incredible outdoor space where children can witness the changing seasons on the big stage, with woodland, open spaces and wildlife all around them.

Counting leaves, seeds or conkers can introduce early maths skills. Talking about what they have seen helps develop language and communication. Watching how plants and wildlife change encourages children to think, question and make connections.

There are also plenty of opportunities to develop physical skills through walking, running, balancing and exploring different environments. We take the children on woodland walks through Pendley Manor, giving them the chance to experience the changing seasons for themselves and discover what they can see and hear along the way.

Making the most of every season

The changing seasons mean there’s always something new to discover outdoors, whether it’s in your own garden or out and about – whether that's a brightly coloured leaf, a visiting bird or a tiny creature hiding amongst the plants.

What children see in September will be different from what they see in Spring, and noticing these changes helps them begin to understand the natural rhythms of the world around them. At Pendley Day Nursery, we encourage children to spend time outdoors and make the most of the natural environment around them.

After such a long, hot summer, Autumn gives us a chance to slow down, look a little more closely and enjoy the changes taking place all around us.

And for young children, sometimes the simplest discoveries are the ones that create the biggest sense of wonder.

Looking for a nursery place for your child? Pendley Day Nursery currently has places available for Autumn. Find out more about our nursery, our outdoor environment and what we offer children aged 3 months to 5 years. Contact us at: info@pendleydaynursery.com / 01442 967140.