Open-ended nature play provides children with endless learning opportunities. It encourages them to explore and connect with nature, cultivate their creative thinking, and foster their curiosity and imagination.
Here at Little Bear’s Woodshop we love to create an inviting space for your littles to learn valuable skills as they explore the world around them
There are so many benefits to open-ended nature and messy play. Here are just a few of them:
Cognitive Development – learn scientific and mathematical concepts such as capacity, measuring, counting, emptying, filling, mixing, and transferring
Sensory Experiences – Real and authentic messy play. From mud pies to flower soup there are so many fun and messy ways to play. Don’t let the mess scare you, though! You can always hose off your kitchen at the end of a playtime and even your kid’s too!
Social/Emotional Development – Self-confidence increases through imaginative and role play opportunities as children learn to problem solve, take turns and share
Physical Development – Playing in the dirt is great for building a healthy immune system. In addition, fine and gross motor skills are strengthened as children use real life tools and utensils and transfer play materials like pots, pans, nature pieces, and water.
The simplicity of nature play is what creates so many wonderful learning opportunities. As adults the best thing we can do is watch their play unfold!
How do you incorporate open-ended play into your child’s day? We would love to hear. Leave a comment below!
