Exploring the sensation of feathers on our skin.
Resources Feathers of various textures
Ideas to explore Encourage the children to rub the feathers over their skin, then to describe how it feels; introduce descriptive words such as tickly, silky, smooth, scratchy, sharp.
PLODs Can children feel it if they close their eyes?Do different types of feathers have the same effect?
Mark-making with feathers.
Resources Large feathers, food colouring, paving slabs or card PLODs Encourage children to have a go at mark-making with a feather tip dipped in food colouring. Experiment to find the feather that works best.
Using feathers to develop counting and sorting skills.
Resources A variety of feathers in different colours and sizes.
PLODs Hide feathers in the outdoor space and encourage older children to hunt for a particular type of feather, such as a small red feather or five blue feathers. Ask younger children to find as many feathers as they can and then spend time counting and sorting them together.
Examining feathers closely and find out about their structure.
Resources Feathers of various sizes and textures, magnifying glasses, factual information about birds and feathers.
PLODs Support children to explore the features of a feather. Discuss how the individual vanes are held together - they interlock rather like a zip.
Find out more about the structure of feathers at www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/birds/weeklyfeature/lifeoffeathers/.
Chase feathers on a windy day.
Resources A variety of feathers in different colours and sizes.
PLODs Encourage children to throw the feathers up into the wind and chase them, find the windiest spot and see how far the feathers travel, and try to catch a feather on the move.
Using feathers creatively in the outdoor area.
Resources Feathers in various colours and sizes, netting, flower pots filled with damp sand or earth.
PLODs Encourage children to weave long feathers in and out of a piece of netting attached to a fence. Create a collage by pushing feathers into a flower pot filled with damp sand or earth.
Series guide
Poor resourcing and planning are often one of the greatest barriers to high-quality outdoor play. In this series, Learning through Landscapes (LTL) explore ideas, cross-curricular resources and possible lines of development (PLODS) to consolidate and extend children's learning. By focusing on natural materials that are inexpensive and can be easily prepared and stored, practitioners will be all set for a quick response to children's interests and events outdoors.
Jan White and Gail Ryder Richardson are part of the LTL early years team.
Further materials and ideas for creating high quality outdoor spaces can be obtained through LTL Early Years Outdoors, tel: 01962 8458111.
