Outdoor Play Link-Up - Fun in the big forest.

For the past 4 years I have been taking my nursery class to local forests to allow them to explore in a beautiful, natural learning environment. For 2 years we were lucky to go on a weekly basis but due to staffing & funding issues for the past 2 years we have gone monthly.

Last week we went to the 'Wild Woods' at An Creagán, the children had been here once before with our partner schools in another project, so they had a good idea of what to expect. Honestly, it was a much more pleasant experience with just my class, and the children enjoyed having more space to themselves. 

The weather was a little wet during the morning but dried up in time for lunch so we were able to have it outside around the fire. I had brought the popcorn pan & we planned to cook popcorn and marshmallows after lunch. 

This was a great success and I am hoping to try this again with one of those disposable BBQ's - so watch this space!
The children enjoyed eating in the fresh air, fishing in the ponds, climbing up the steep banks & sliding down again. They all came back smelling of smoke & slightly muddy but very, very happy. I like to think that I am helping to create some pretty special & all too rare memories for these children in an age of computer games.

Without going along with too similar a theme, my favourite post from last link up was from Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes.
I loved being able to see another classes adventures in the forest in a different country, it was fascinating to me to see children in the forest with our waterproof clothing or welly boots. I think it's great to see that children all over the world are getting opportunities to learn in natural environments and that some children will just enjoy a little solitude in this setting.

How did your kids play outdoors this week?

• Any kind of children's outdoor play-related posts are welcome!

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Please note that by contributing you are giving permission for an image and link to your post to be republished if featured. (If you have been featured, please feel free to grab the 'featured' button from the sidebar.) Share your ideas for outdoor play activities with us every other week! The linky goes live every second Friday at 12:01 GMT+1.