Freedom to explore

Freedom to explore

The wonder of the great outdoors conjures up visions of the rough terrain of the Australian outback or the purity of mountain air at the summit of Mount Snowdon. To children, an ordinary garden or local park provides just as much inspiration, or if you are lucky enough to be based near to woods, then that is even better. But wherever you are based, find a natural open space and if you have the confidence and courage to sit back (and by that I mean do not teach), you will literally be amazed at the amount of learning and discovery that goes on.

It is not easy to adapt to this way of being, after all, good practitioners are all too aware of risk assessments, health and safety, teaching points, adult intervention etc…. Of course you must keep a close eye on the children, and be there to point out and remove any real dangers, but to really allow children to explore the great outdoors, just watch them.

 A forest or wood will see children gathering logs or leaves; making caves; finding animal dens; watching squirrels; balancing on fallen trees; touching and feeling the texture of bark; or noticing the different sounds of birds.

It is important to remember that we do not have to organise everything for children. In fact, Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, openly warned of the dangers of ‘wrapping children in cotton wool’ and has promised £billions for the development of real play opportunities for children. Risk taking is an important part of growing up.

So what is your role, if not to organise, teach, instruct, assess etc? Maybe it is just to be there to share in a wondrous moment. For example, when a child manages to balance all the way along a fallen tree for the first time, or silently observes a squirrel gathering nuts, or a shy, reticent child suddenly finds her voice as she forgets herself in the excitement of discovery..

Moments like these make up the magic of childhood.

"Bitter are the tears of a child: Sweeten them.

Deep are the thoughts of a child: Quieten them.

Sharp is the grief of a child: Take it from him.

Soft is the heart of a child: Do not harden it."