Activity Title: Obstacle course adventure
Category: Outdoor activity
Targeted Age Group: preschoolers (3-5 years)
Intent: The Obstacle course adventure is to support gross motor development through playful physical challenges. It also helps children in cognitive development, which involves critical thinking, allowing them to solve problems independently and become more active in play.
Essential skills (Galinsky,2010) - critical thinking
Domain/skill/indicator:
cognitive: Problem solving (4.2) - identifying problems and taking action to solve the problem. (Ontario ministry of education, 2014).
Materials:
hula hoops
balance beams
cones
jump rope
tunnels
grass area or outdoor mat
visual cues, arrow, signs
Invitation to play:
By setting up a safe, outdoor space for the obstacle course, then set up a series of adventures for the children to do that support their gross motor skills and cognitive development, also put up a sign that says "let's go on an adventure," and introduce the play to the children to let them explore and lastly adjust the challenges base on the children ability.
Website examples for outdoor activity:
50 Outdoor Preschool Activities: Ideas For Science, Literacy, Math, And More - Teaching Expertise
References
Galinsky, E. (2010). mind in the making: the seven essential life skills every child needs. Harper studio. Life Skills
Ontario ministry of education. (2014). ELECT: Early learning for every child today. Retrieved from. https//preschoolcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ELECT_compressed.pdf
Activity Title: Sandbox construction
Category: Outdoor activity
Targeted Age Group: Toddlers (1-3 years)
Intent:
Sandbox construction encourages problem-solving, planning, and fine motor skills in toddlers because it is a hands-on activity, allowing them to scoop, pour, and build with sand.
An essential skill is engaged learning and self-directed learning. (Galinsky, 2010).
Domain/skill/indicator:
Cognitive development - problem-solving (4.2). using objects as tools to solve problems, setting goals and acting to achieve them. (Ontario ministry of education, 2014).
Materials:
Sandbox
buckets
scoops
shovels
molds
small trucks
Invitation to play:
I will encourage the toddlers to dig, scoop, mould, and build. By doing this, it will fully engage them in the activity
Website examples for outdoor activity:
Outdoor Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers - Toddler Approved
References
Galinsky, E. (2010). mind in the making: the seven essential life skills every child needs. Harper studio. Life Skills
Ontario ministry of education. (2014). ELECT: Early learning for every child today. Retrieved from. https//preschoolcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ELECT_compressed.pdf
Activity Title: Outdoor music exploration
Category: Outdoor activity
Targeted Age Group: Infants (0-12 months)
Intent:
Outdoor music exploration helps to support listening skills through exposure to natural and created sounds outdoors.
An essential skill is communication. (Galinsky, 2010).
Domain/skill/indicator:
Communication, language, and literacy - Vocalizing and Babbling (3.3). babbling using a wide variety of sounds. (Ontario ministry of education, 2014).
Materials:
Blankets for sitting
music instruments: bells, tambourines, egg bell, shakers, drums, sticks.
Invitation to play:
I will make the infants sit and gently play instruments. I will encourage them to hold and shall the bells and shakers. and make them pause to listen to birds and wind in between sounds.
Website examples for outdoor activity:
15 Best Outdoor Activities For Babies & Infants
References
Galinsky, E. (2010). mind in the making: the seven essential life skills every child needs. Harper studio. Life Skills
Ontario ministry of education. (2014). ELECT: Early learning for every child today. Retrieved from. https//preschoolcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ELECT_compressed.pdf
Activity Title: Nature Scavenger Hunt
Category: Outdoor activity
Targeted Age Group: School age (6-12 years).
Intent:
Nature Scavenger Hunt is an activity that encourages school-age children to be observant, make connections, and think critically.
with their environment.
An essential skill is critical thinking. (Galinsky, 2010).
Domain/skill/indicator:
Cognitive- inquiry (4.5)-collecting information, interpreting information, and discovering relationships. (Ontario ministry of education, 2014).
Materials:
Scavenger hunt checklist (pinecones, feathers, stone, flower)
paper for ticking checklists
pencil or crayon
small bags for collecting
invitation to play:
I will give each child a scavenger checklist. and encourage them to work individually, make connections with nature.
Website examples for outdoor activity:
35 Fun Outdoor Games for Kids of All Ages | Outdoor Games | Kid Activities
References
Galinsky, E. (2010). mind in the making: the seven essential life skills every child needs. Harper studio. Life Skills
Ontario ministry of education. (2014). ELECT: Early learning for every child today. Retrieved from. https//preschoolcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ELECT_compressed.pdf