Literacy

Through talking about the world around them, children can be supported to develop a life-long love of exploring nature through reading, and nature itself. Through the Nature Park, learners will be encouraged to read and share stories together about the outdoors, developing language comprehension and word reading skills.

Many of the books in your book corner may be set in natural environments and a simple way to connect to nature is to read these books together (outdoors if you can!). If your setting allows, an outdoor role play area can help learners act out their favourite stories whilst connecting to nature. Books offer learners the opportunity to explore parts of the world that they may not otherwise learn about. Browse the resources library or take a look at the suggestions below.

Educator guidance
EYFS
Literacy

Adult-led activity suggestions

  • encourage learners to use natural objects to create their own story or retell a familiar narrative by creating a story stick.
  • encourage learners to demonstrate their understanding of a story by using natural objects to bring the book to life through a living books activity.  
  • a simple way to connect to nature is storytelling outdoors. Many favourite story books are set outdoors in nature, on farms or woodlands. Why not read these stories outdoors and bring them to life? If your setting allows,  develop a log circle for learners share stories in their play-based learning time.  
  • fairy dens and storytelling brings a story to life. Find a small outdoor space, gather some materials and encourage learners to use their imagination.  
Nature Park highlight
  • Creative responses to a place: this activity can be adapted for younger learners. Use the prompt worksheets to explore different ways of creatively responding to nature with learners, such as creating a poem together, or describing a place from an animal's point of view. 

Continuous provision

Observing changing states

These activities and continuous provision station provides learners with a sensory experience that helps them to explore habitats, changing states and the effects of climate change. The experiment can be linked with stories that reference global warming and loss of habitat, and provide a safe space to introduce these concepts. 

icicles hanging from a frozen tree in winter

Early learning goals