It's clear that many children are not getting enough time outdoors. I've seen backyards full of expensive play equipment and toys that are rarely touched. I'm not sure that is what children really want. Give my children some sticks, rope and a pocket knife (even some walkie talkies) and they are set for hours of outdoor play. I've found lots of ideas from Forest Schools that are useful and relevant to home and outdoor school environments. Here are just a few ideas that I'm loving. 

Above - baking outside!

A completely natural seesaw on a rainy day!

Rope platforms for the children in the trees. This might be a little hard to do at home but it looks awesome! 

A hammock!

Oh, isn't this important!

Building large structures.

Den building. This requires minimal resources but can teach so much and keep the children building and thinking all day.  A bit of rope and tarp, you can even get den building kits. My children have a little set like this and can build their den using one side of our fence or the side of a tree. Remember to keep it child led. 

Our Natural Childhood report can be found here. 

Creating and experimenting with small streams (second picture). 

Mud kitchens... I find that Forest School mud kitchens are a little more rustic than others, they don't need to be bought or designed, a low table and pots and pans are a great start.

Slacklines - even for the littlest. 

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