10 Fun EYFS Outdoor Activities for Early Years Learners
Getting young children to enjoy the outdoors has several benefits. It helps stimulate their creativity, develop their motor skills, develop social and emotional regulation, and provides opportunities for learning. With that in mind, here are 10 Fun EYFS Outdoor Activities for Early Years Learners that will not only be enjoyable but also enhance their development.
1. Sensory Play
Sensory play is an excellent activity for young children as it helps develop their senses, including touch, smell, taste, and sound. You can create sensory stations by using different materials such as sand, water beads, rice, and more.
2. Nature Walks
Take your little ones for nature walks and explore the outdoors. Encourage them to look for insects, listen to birds, collect leaves, and identify different flowers. It provides an excellent opportunity for learning and sensory exploration.
3. Obstacle Courses
Organizing an obstacle course is great fun for early years learners as it helps develop their gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. You can use different materials like cones, tunnels, and ropes to create exciting challenges.
4. Storytelling
Storytelling is an engaging activity that helps children improve their listening and communication skills. It also enhances their imagination and vocabulary. Take your little ones outside and read them stories that are related to the outdoors.
5. Yoga
Yoga is an excellent activity that helps relax a child’s mind and body. Encourage them to practice simple yoga postures in the open air while influencing a sense of calm and serenity.
6. Gardening
Gardening is an excellent way for children to learn about nature and the environment. It helps develop their knowledge of plants and their growth cycle. They will also learn about healthy eating and the benefits of nature. Gardening activities may incorporate sowing the seeds, watering the plants, fertilizing when needed and more.
7. Bubble Play
Young children love bubbles, and they never get old. Blowing bubbles in the open air is a great way to engage early years learners. It helps develop their visual tracking skills, hand-eye coordination, and communication skills.
8. Painting
Outdoor painting activities provide opportunities for children to explore their creativity. They can paint with hands, brush strokes, or even by lying on their back and using their feet or hands. Painting fosters self-expression and supports fine motor development.
9. Music Exploration
Music exploration is an engaging activity that enhances children’s ability to listen and communicate. Encourage your little learners to make music with natural materials, such as sticks, stones, and leaves.
10. Beach Play
On sunny days, take younger children to the beach. They can build sandcastles and play with water. Children can enjoy the sun, observe marine life, and get added vitamin D from nature.
In conclusion, these 10 Fun EYFS Outdoor Activities for Early Years Learners are all aimed at helping children develop their creativity, motor skills, and knowledge of the environment. Incorporating these outdoor activities in their daily routine would indeed be a great way to engage and educate children, enabling them to experience the outdoors and stimulate their development.
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