Exploring the Arts Outdoors
Exploring the Arts Outdoors
This week, we will continue our discussion on the outdoor classroom (any space you use for outdoor play). The focus this week is exploring the arts in the outdoor classroom. Below, I'll share some ideas to help us spend more time in our outdoor learning environments.
Storage: When we consider adding opportunities to our outdoor classroom, one of the first things to consider is storage. We always need more storage space in our early childhood programs. It is so much easier to enjoy our time outside if we are not spending so much time carting everything we need outdoors.
Outdoor Storage Inspiration Photos
Architecture: Our classroom's building area is a fantastic learning space. However, it is also often loud and filled with conflict, which can be overwhelming for many of our young learners. Creating an outdoor space for building allows all children an opportunity to create. An outdoor architecture space also allows children to design and build larger structures.
Outdoor Building Inspiration Photos
DIY Wood Blocks: Easy Outdoor Building Blocks for Kids
Dance: Dance parties in our indoor spaces are always fun. Imagine taking those dance parties to your outdoor space!
Outdoor and Nature Dance Play for Early Learning
Bringing dance into Early Years outdoor play
Out and About with Preschoolers: Dancing on the Sidewalk
Music: We bring music into our classrooms in so many ways, from singing songs to creating rhythmic clapping patterns at circle time. While I always wanted to pull out the basket of musical instruments, the chaos and loud volume that came along with instrument play were often too much for my nervous system. Providing opportunities for my students to play the instruments outdoors was a more enjoyable experience (for all of us!).
Water play & music exploration - Child's Play Music
Theater: Instead of reading a different book during circle time, I would read the same book daily for a whole week. This gave us the time to dig deeper into the story. Usually, my students would act out the story at the end of each week. Sometimes, they would retell the story as it was in the book, and other times, they would add their storytelling elements to their theater presentation. Putting on their show outside for children in different classrooms was one of their favorite things.
Taking Dramatic Play Outside – Ideas to get you started!
Outdoor Theater Inspiration Photos
Woodworking (Maker Space/Tinkering): If you have always wanted to explore woodworking, tinkering, or making with your students but don't have the space indoors, create a maker space in your outdoor classroom.
How to Create an Outdoor Tinker Space for Kids: Tips, Ideas, and Rules
