Relaxed observation of toddlers and very young children soon shows you that they are fascinated by the natural world. They are intrigued by the small-scale universe of little insects, of clover among the grass or the feel of different twigs. But they are also excited by what they can see on a grander scale - the contrasting light and dark provided by winter afternoons, and views of the moon and stars, even in an urban area.
Talk with parents
The outdoors experience of under-threes will be a partnership between early years practitioners and parents. It is important to exchange news of what has delighted a young child in the different parts of his or her life.
My son's childminder told us about his enthusiasm for her rabbits and growing tomatoes. In turn we shared his awe when, aged 18 months, we took him to the shingle beach at Dungeness in Kent. He kept saying, 'Stone, stone' as he gazed at the landscape and tried to decide which he would choose for his own.
Look and learn
Under-threes need to spend plenty of time in your outdoor space, as well as getting to know their local neighbourhood. In warmer weather babies can lie or sit on a rug, watching and listening with you. As the weather gets cooler you may need to carry a well-wrapped baby. But, with clothing suitable for the weather, toddlers can get out into the garden and continue their explorations.
* Older toddlers and two-year-olds make connections between what they see outside and pictures they see in a book or on wall posters. They now understand that the picture of a bird does not move and it does not tweet, but you still say 'bird' when you get to that page.
* Simple trips around the local neighbourhood help very young children to experience change over time. By words and gesture, they show their recall of what was there last time and recognition of 'here it is again!' A visit to the local garden centre could provoke feelings such as 'so sad!' because they have not switched on the water feature.
* The outdoor environment can offer perspective when children look in the middle distance as well as nearby. They experience the leaves moving in the wind up in the trees. Toddlers love pointing out items of interest - at our feet, as well as on the other side of the garden, high in the big bush or right up in the sky.
* Outdoors often gives more scope for moving about, even in what looks like a small space to adults. Under-threes are keen to rediscover the log and find out what is underneath today. They are able to link together past experiences in the garden with new ones - will we see the big beetle again, and where does he live? Outdoor exploration helps young children to develop their mental map of what is where in the garden and the neighbourhood.
Direct experience
Under-threes do not benefit from topics on 'the seasons' because their general knowledge does not extend that far. But they can learn through direct experience of the weather and changes over the days. They are interested in rain (what it does, the noise and effects, wading through puddles). They begin to understand differences in felt temperature of cold through to hot, as experienced right now. They also enjoy the direct benefits of the seasons - shiny conkers to collect and display, dry leaves to throw and kick, making marks in the snow.
Enjoyable outdoor experience will lead under-threes to make comments and ask questions that further promote their learning.
Further reading
* Sally Featherstone, The Little Book of outdoor play (Featherstone Education, 2001)
* Jennie Lindon, Kevin Kelman and Alice Sharp, 'Under the sky' (Nursery World, 3 October 2002)
