Our outdoor approach
Here at Niamh's Nature Nursery, we follow Froebel's approach for our outdoor learning provision.
Froebel's principles and philosophies
Engaging with nature
Through real-life experiences and hands-on activities, children can explore all things related to nature and organisms. These experiences allow them to gain an understanding of sustainability and the impact of climate change.
(Nature is seen as a teacher)
To support this principle, we provide activities and exploration on:
- Seasons and weather
- Growth of plants
- Natural materials
- Sustainability
- Animals and insects
Knowledgeable, nurturing educators
Practitioners should support and assist rather than instruct. They should facilitate real-life experiences and observe the children, encouraging their interests through freedom with guidance.
We apply this to our practice by:
- Providing activities and experiences tailored to the children's interests.
- Do regular observations and reflections to further support children's interests.
- Encourage child-led learning
- Support children with their learning, rather than providing instructions on how to learn specifically.
Unity and connectedness
Everything in the universe is connected. The more you are aware, the deeper the understanding of oneself, others, and nature becomes. Children's thoughts, feelings and actions are all correlated.
To support this principle we:
- Provide hands on nature experience
- Opportunities for holistic learning
- Teamwork activities
- Provide environmental responsibilities
- Observe and reflect nature ( notice patterns and cause and affect)
Autonomous learners
Each child is unique, focusing on what a child can do rather than what they can not do. Children learn best by doing things themself, being more self aware of their learning. Practice is based off respect and valuing children for who they are and the efforts they contribute.
We support children with their learning and experiences to aid holistic development by:
- Observing the children and expand their interests
- Promote independence through hands on activities
-Offer opportunities for children to reflect
The central importance of play
Play enables children to connect to their thoughts, feelings, ideas and experiences giving them deeper levels of emotions and imagination. this allows children to express themselves through the art of play. Froebel believed that adults should contribute by providing freedom with guidance.
We support children's play by:
-Providing natural materials
- Supplying open end materials for imagination
- Promoting new ideas for play
- Creating nature art