Nursery World - EYFS Activities – An A to Z of enhancements N is for Natural Objects

Natural objects found outdoors are interesting in themselves, as well as when used as part of a larger enhancement. By Amy Jackson

‘Squash Scientists’ experimenting at the science enhancement tray

Incorporating natural objects into the environment can spark children’s curiosity and interest. Natural objects are often open-ended for the child’s own interpretations in their play.

For example, we have witnessed sticks becoming candles in a playdough cake, stones being stacked up to make caves for the animal toys, and bamboo slices becoming precious coins in a treasure box.

Natural objects can be stimulating, enabling children to feel close to the natural world and make links to other times they have experienced seeing these objects before. They can ignite conversations about their past experiences. When a ‘5 Little Speckled Frogs’ enhancement was added, we combined frog masks, numbered wood slices and tree stumps.

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