Nursery World - Nature's way (4)

Babies and toddlers love to engage with the natural world, and a great free learning resource is available just outside your setting's door, says Jennie Lindon Relaxed observation of toddlers and very young children soon shows you that they are fascinated by the natural world. They are intrigued by the small-scale universe of little insects, of clover among the grass or the feel of different twigs. But they are also excited by what they can see on a grander scale - the contrasting light and dark provided by winter afternoons, and views of the moon and stars, even in an urban area.

Relaxed observation of toddlers and very young children soon shows you that they are fascinated by the natural world. They are intrigued by the small-scale universe of little insects, of clover among the grass or the feel of different twigs. But they are also excited by what they can see on a grander scale - the contrasting light and dark provided by winter afternoons, and views of the moon and stars, even in an urban area.

Talk with parents

The outdoors experience of under-threes will be a partnership between early years practitioners and parents. It is important to exchange news of what has delighted a young child in the different parts of his or her life.

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