In Preschool 2 at RisingOaks | John Sweeney, we have introduced a new way to explore their creativity as we incorporated our outdoor environment into the classroom. Being outside provides the children a sense of freedom and the ability to connect with nature. We wanted to designate a space indoors where they could feel closer to nature as we stimulate play-based discovery, foster the development of calming strategies as well as explore and engage in open-ended play.
The children were excited to engage with the different provocations set out by the Educators. Table 1, was set up with a very large tree branch surrounded by a variety of pods filled with colourful paint. Table two, had a 4ft. piece of tree bark lined with dinosaurs, moss, rocks, pinecones and other natural materials. The educators also set up a sensory bin full of planted grass that allowed the children to practice the fine motor skill of cutting while experiencing the smell of fresh cut grass.
The Preschool 2 class partakes in 1 walk a week. During the walks. we continually collect leaves and sticks to use for craft ideas. This time, we decided to paint our stick and do some rainbow stick printing! As the children mixed the paint with their sticks, they shouted out the new colours that were created. They also enhanced their social development as they shared ideas and observations with their peers and educators. Natalie said, “we can make a rainbow with the colors and then we can share to make a colorful stick!”
While children were exploring the dinosaur habitat, Rowan asked Jayden if he wanted to play with the dinosaurs. Rosalie joined them and said, “Oh, Maria! Those stones look like dinosaur eggs.“ Rosalie, Jayden and Rowan looked for a basket for the “eggs”, to ensure they would be kept safe. Then, they went over to the sensory bin where children were cutting the grass and began to add the cut grass to the basket with the eggs. This was to help the eggs “feel comfortable”. Maria observed Jayden trying to crack open a rock. Maria then noticed Jayden holding a fork and asked, “What you are going to do with this fork?” He paused and smiled, “I am going to see if there is a baby dinosaur inside!” it was lovely to see his imagination and perception involving the Dinosaur eggs. This activity encouraged the children to develop curiosity, intellectual patience and practical skills. 
