From a very young age, I would spend hours in the garden, barefooted with an assortment of utensils; teaspoons, forks, spatulas, ladles, you name it, I used it. My mother would always throw the hugest wobbles over not having enough cutlery and I was always happy to retrieve them from the mounds of earth I’d encased them in, at the back corner of our very wild garden. My mother never usually had time to cut the grass, as a single mother of 3 young children, there was little time for household chores. Little did she know the wonder she had surrounded me in, adding to my love of nature; now thinking back to running my muddy mitts through the long wavy grass and pulling grass snakes from the weaved turrets to stick them in the empty ice-cream tub I’d sourced from the kitchen draining board before heading out. It was a sensory playground of the purest and naturalist kind, sparking my natural curiosity of nature and passion for walking and horticulture that entwines into my families life and the learning through play curriculum I provide in my setting today.

Welly walks

I’m of the mindset that fresh air is good for the mind, body and soul. Incorporate that into a daily routine for children who need not be confined to the four walls of the childcare setting or classroom and with appropriate clothing for this beautiful, yet wet British weather you have a powerful recipe; allowing children to refocus their energy, explore nature for all it’s beauty and discover everything the great outdoors classroom has to teach us.

Throughout the seasons, we enjoy welly walks as part of our weekly routine. We take the opportunity to exercise our bodies and minds resulting in exceptional results in behaviour, concentration and play when we return to our indoor setting.

During our time outside, we explore the immediate nature surrounding us.

We regularly revisit the same walking trails/ public footpaths or parks. Because we know children enjoy familiarity and it gives more opportunities to notice and understand seasonal changes, growth and decay whilst promoting a love of nature and the importance of the need to protect the earth in our children.

We look at landscapes, grasses, plants, trees, birds, insects and the earth. Pointing out new discoveries, changes and hazards with every walk.

Spring time is such a wonderful time to get out and about, we are so lucky to have lots of countryside around us but these principles can be carried through to the more Urban areas too. You can focus on trees, buildings, peoples front gardens, allotments, florist shop windows, cracks in the pavement, roof tops, you name it, nature can be found everywhere, when you are open to this concept.

Want to make the most of your outdoor adventures, find my tips below:

1.Wear wellies

Start with the right outdoor gear, look at the weather forecast and plan your outdoor wear appropriately, I always opt for wellies and a raincoat, that has good wind proofing too, for those chilly spring time breezy days. Children and adults should wear wellies, never missing the opportunity for puddle stomping or getting stuck in to a little messy play. Raincoats with lining are best, but using layers underneath such as fleeces, cotton sweaters do just as good a job, and a huge thumbs up to children’s waterproof all-in -ones, they are amazing! I personally recommend Trespass for their All-in-One suits for children. They are very reasonably priced and do a good job of protecting the entire underclothing of the child as well as breaking the wind.

If you’re looking for more convenience, packable outdoor wear, head over to Jojo Maman and Bebe for their packable waterproof bottoms, they come with a very handy pouch for easy storage in bags.

2.Be Safe

Always risk assess the area or route you are going to explore, seat the children safely before beginning play and explain any hazards, boundaries and rules; we sit on a “Listening bench” before play. Support the children by supervising them enough to prevent any incidents or accidents, whilst allowing them to play as freely and as child – led as possible. We always take a first aid bag, with a mobile phone, blanket for sitting on/ keeping warm, antibacterial wipes, drinking water and a fruit snack for the children who might need a little energy boost to make the journey back after lots of exploring.

3. Plan activities

When you reach your destination or throughout your walk think of an objective or what learning outcomes you would like for the children. During Spring time we look for signs of Spring on our walks, like fresh shoots and buds; foot prints, fallen leaves, bird nests high in the leaf less tree (how many can you count). Scavenger hunts, den building, puddle stomping, stone collecting, tree climbing, are all possible opportunities for activities, that will entertain and promote learning through play. Safely support younger children to join in too, they may well surprise you with their ability to balance and climb, before they can run skilfully.

4. Say Hello

Interact with people in the community that you see, teach the children in your care to be socially polite and respectful of other people no matter their creed. We regularly see our neighbouring community and they always stop to ask the children how they are, the children spot local dogs and cats out on their walks, the postman and learn about different occupations, cultures and ways of life.

5. Take your time

Slow down to the pace that the children are walking, take your time to look at the areas that have sparked the most interest and engagement in the children. Ask open ended questions like “what have you found there? “What can you see?” as the children make their discoveries and enjoy the activities, listening to their responses and using this as your observation and self evaluation to plan your future learning activities and adventures.

I hope you find these 5 tips to Welly Walks in the Spring time useful, many of these points can be relayed throughout the seasons.

Do leave me feedback on your welly walks, on using some of my tips or simply leave a comment below.

Thanks so much for visiting

Happy Welly walks

Dominique x

Why not Welly Walk as Fundraiser with the Peppa pig Muddy Puddle Walk 11th-17th May 2020

Check out the event by clicking on this link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=emb_title&v=f_WWHjyMUAM&time_continue=59