By Mitch Pinkney – Product Developer, Yellow Door Education


Nurturing emotional growth with outdoor play


Did you know that one of the biggest influences on a child’s emotions is their environment? Every experience a child has shapes how their feelings develop. As soon as they step outside, they are met with so many experiences to discover and enjoy!


The outdoors is the perfect place for children to practice emotional regulation, and this list of ideas has everything you need to get inspired...


1. A walk in the park


Time in nature is one of the best ways to help children soothe feelings of overwhelm. Surrounded by space, light and sensory-rich materials, their minds and bodies begin to slow, settle and reset.


Take a mindful walk, tuning into birdsong, rustling leaves, or crunching twigs. Encourage the children to look for birds, trees and flowers, taking note of colour and shape. When you reach a comfortable spot, try lying down and looking at the sky. Ask questions to help children focus: “What can you see, hear or smell?”


On your walk back, see if they’re interested in getting hands-on with nature-themed resources, such as feathers, leaves, or bark, to inspire soothing and imaginative play.


1 2. Just add water! 2 What you’ll need:


309471 – Sensory Play Stones: Fish


309476 – Play Shell


307295 – Let’s Investigate Seashore


832006 – Ocean Animals Bumper Pack


820915 – Large Pipettes 308650 – Mixed Shells Tub


The calming sounds, flowing movements and multi- sensory appeal of water make it a natural go-to for emotional regulation. Arrange a tray outside with warm water and ocean-themed props that children can uncover through play, alongside items like jugs, pipettes, and plants to spark interest.


During the exercise, try using W.I.N. scripts to encourage emotional literacy, for example:


• “ I wonder how the clown fish feels now his friends have swum off. How would you feel?”


• “ I imagine this fish felt angry when there was no food left. What makes you angry?”


• “ I noticed the zebra fish was hiding. What might he be feeling?”


What you’ll need: 307888 – Sensory Play Stones: Birds 810462 – Natural Shape Viewers 306511 – Sensory Play Stones: Flowers 305055 – Pine Cones 804308 – Dried Flowers


“There must be provision


for the child to have contact with nature, to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature.” Maria Montessori


10 For more ideas and inspiration visit ypo.co.uk/littlelearners


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