On a rainy afternoon, the School Age 1 children at RisingOaks Early Learning | John Sweeney were presented with a unique opportunity for spontaneous outdoor learning. As we stepped outside, a puddle had formed at one end of the outdoor play space. What began as simple puddle jumping quickly evolved into a rich and collaborative play experience.
The children initiated their exploration by scooping water into large bowls from the mud kitchen. Observing their curiosity and engagement, an educator extended the experience by thoughtfully introducing additional materials such as scoops, containers, and buckets. This intentional addition of open-ended materials invited more children into the space and sparked a variety of dramatic play narratives.
Jeia shared, “I’m making vegetable soup with lettuce and sweet potato.” Anthony echoed this theme, saying, “I’m making soup too!” Nearby, Ariah and Aria were having a tea party, while Alexander, Carter, and Christian were busy engineering rivers and waterfalls. Many children were simply enjoying the sensory experience of scooping, pouring, and transporting water across the playground.
This rich and emergent experience beautifully illustrates the four foundations of learning outlined in How Does Learning Happen? — Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression. The children demonstrated deep engagement through sustained play and imaginative storytelling. Their well-being was supported as they moved freely and confidently through the outdoor space, developing both gross and fine motor skills. Opportunities for expression emerged naturally through conversations, role-play, and collaborative construction.
We observed the development of social competencies such as turn-taking, negotiating space, and problem-solving, particularly during shared dramatic play scenarios. These interactions reflect the view in How Does Learning Happen? that “children succeed in programs where they and their families are valued and where their ideas and contributions are regarded with respect.”
As educators, we are inspired by the creativity and collaboration demonstrated in this spontaneous outdoor play. It leads us to wonder: How might we bring elements of this water-based dramatic play into our indoor learning environment to further support children's exploration and expression? 
