November 7th is Outdoor Classroom Day!
Outdoor Classroom Day is a global movement to make time outdoors part of every child’s day. On two days of action each year, teachers take children outdoors to play and learn. Play Scotland share these Outdoor Play resources: Play Well Outdoors Pack Playful Streets Toolkit Sign up for regular news [...]
The Importance of Playful Experiences in the Early Years
In this Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) blog, Fiona Kirkland, Play Pedagogy Officer at Play Scotland, emphasises the transformative impact of play on early childhood development. Discover how play fosters creativity, resilience, and social skills. Read about practical strategies for promoting play in various settings and underscores the [...]
First school in Scotland achieves OPAL Award!
Play Scotland report that Udston Primary School, in South Lanarkshire, were the first school in Scotland to complete its journey through the OPAL Programme. Watch the video where members of the senior leadership team speak about the impacts of OPAL while viewers see many of the new play activities developed [...]
Playing in mud and dirt can boost your child’s immune system – here’s how
This article in The Conversation (25 October 2024) describes how science actually shows us that being exposed to a bit of dirt can be good for kids’ health. It includes tips for ensuring that children can play safely outdoors.
Natural materials make a big difference in play, learning and wellbeing
Read this blog post form School Outdoor Learning about why natural materials benefit pupils’ learning and wellbeing.
By age two, girls are already playing outside less than boys
In the U.K.’s first national survey of play in preschool-aged children, researchers found that girls play outside less than boys, starting at age two. “It’s concerning that at age two, we’re already seeing these differences in the time that boys and girls play outdoors in nature,” explains study co-lead Dr. [...]
Are our school playgrounds being wrapped in cotton wool?
School Outdoor Learning share the issues around risk-averse school grounds by signposting this earlier article posted in The Conversation (25 June 2015). It celebrates the opportunities provided by loose-parts play.
Fifty Things to Do Before You’re Five
The Fifty Things to Do initiative offers a menu of fun, affordable ideas for play and learning with your 0-4 year old in Fife, and other areas. Get daily inspiration from these simple and engaging activities that preschoolers love! Many of these activity ideas can be tried out in an [...]
