The arrival of the milder temperatures, has brought us some icy conditions on our outdoor playground, so the toddlers at St Nicholas I RisingOaks have been using this opportunity for walks around the school.
Educator’s Ruth, Gerri and Jhon all discuss that it is probably better we go for a walk than use the playground. Harlow, Liam and a number of other children over hear the word “walk” and with great excitement request going for a walk. The children are all showing a real deal of excitement as they go to their cubbies to prepare to get their clothing on for a walk.
Danny while outside quickly notices the geese fly over calling bird, bird as he shows the other children his observation.
Mason smiles and looks up as he sees a large orange and gray plane fly over. “It's an airplane, it’s an airplane,” Harlow tells the others as she points up, showing the other children wanting them to take notice as well. Several children walk ahead and begin splashing in the large puddles, seeing that Xavi and Cohen had taken the lead splashing in these large puddles.
We continue on as educator Ruth then climbs to the top of the snow mounds at the back of the school. Zahra and Liam look behind them curiously seeing the shadows of their bodies on the pavement “Look, look. Gerri,” they call as Gerri then uses her shadow to wave at them. They also discovered their shadows following them as they attempt to move away.
Danny, Zahra, Liam and Ellie notice the large rocks that have been exposed and begin climbing on top of them balancing from one end to the other, and then back again.
The benefits of walks beyond our playground are vast and provide the children with many developing skills. Walks provide gross motor and balance skills through uneven ground as well as the snow surfaces. Navigating these surfaces can be challenging as many children have just began to walk in the previous months. Sensory skills are developed by giving them the opportunity to see and touch many things in this outdoor environment.
Leading and freely exploring, help the children gain independence and confidence. These walks also allow the children the chance to stop and explore many different things at their own speed.
Watch for more walks as the mild weather will give us barer pavement in order to continue our walks and explore.
