Product Description: Outdoor Continuous Provision Plan for Early Years – “Ourselves” Theme (Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach)

Discover, explore, and celebrate individuality with our Outdoor Continuous Provision Plan for Early Years: “Ourselves” Theme. This nature-based plan, inspired by the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach, invites young learners to explore their own identities, senses, emotions, and physical capabilities in a playful, outdoor environment.

Features and Activities

• Natural Self-Portraits: Children create self-portraits using natural items they find outdoors—like leaves, sticks, and stones—encouraging creativity, body awareness, and a unique expression of identity.
• Movement Exploration: In an open outdoor space, children explore different movements and learn about what their bodies can do. Activities like “jump like a frog” or “stretch tall like a tree” support physical development and self-awareness.
• Sensory Exploration: Children engage their five senses by exploring textures, sounds, and smells found in nature, enhancing sensory development and environmental awareness.
• Feeling Garden: Children connect colours and textures of natural items with different emotions, helping them explore and discuss feelings in a supportive and engaging way.
• Body Measurements with Nature: Using sticks, leaves, and stones, children measure different parts of their bodies, learning about size and comparison in a playful and hands-on way.
• Name and Letter Recognition with Nature: Children practice letter recognition and name writing by creating letters with natural materials, reinforcing literacy skills through outdoor play.

Why Choose the “Ourselves” Theme Plan?

Perfectly suited for early years settings, this Ourselves Theme Plan offers a variety of flexible, child-led activities that develop self-awareness, sensory skills, and creativity—all in the fresh outdoors. Each activity is designed to be open-ended, promoting curiosity, self-expression, and social skills in a safe, nature-based learning environment.

This plan encourages children to connect with nature while learning about themselves and their peers by celebrating each child’s unique qualities. Embrace the Muddy Puddle Teacher philosophy and watch your outdoor space become a joyful and educational “Ourselves” adventure!

Embracing Individuality Outdoors: “Ourselves” Theme for Early Years Continuous Provision

In early years education, nurturing a child’s sense of self is one of the most meaningful foundations we can provide. Outdoor continuous provision offers the perfect setting to explore the theme of “Ourselves.” When children are in nature, they naturally become more curious, observant, and connected to their surroundings—and ultimately, to themselves. With the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach, we take learning outdoors to help children discover their unique identities through playful, child-led activities that explore their bodies, emotions, senses, and self-expression.

The Power of Outdoor Learning in Early Years

Outdoor learning encourages young children to develop socially, emotionally, and physically. Research shows that when children interact with the natural environment, they gain essential skills and develop resilience, focus, and a greater sense of well-being. The Children & Nature Network has found that outdoor learning not only supports physical health but also fosters a sense of connection and self-confidence. Read more about the benefits of nature-based learning here.

With an “Ourselves” theme in outdoor continuous provision, children are encouraged to explore their senses, emotions, and body awareness through a variety of engaging, hands-on activities. Here’s a closer look at how the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach brings this theme to life.

1. Natural Self-Portraits

Activity: Children create self-portraits using natural items they find outdoors, such as leaves, sticks, and stones. This activity encourages creativity and helps children recognize and celebrate their own unique features.

Educational Benefits:

• Body Awareness: Children explore their facial features and express them through natural materials.
• Creativity: Using leaves for hair or stones for eyes allows for open-ended, imaginative play.
• Self-Expression: Self-portraits help children explore their identity in a playful, supportive environment.

Further Reading: Learning Through Landscapes explores the benefits of creativity in outdoor settings, supporting self-expression and confidence. Discover more here.

2. Movement Exploration: “I Can Move My Body”

Activity: In a designated outdoor space, children explore various ways to move—jumping, balancing, stretching, and running—while noticing how each movement feels. Prompts like “stretch tall like a tree” or “hop like a frog” make the activity even more engaging.

Educational Benefits:

• Gross Motor Skills: Active play enhances coordination, strength, and body awareness.
• Self-Awareness: Children gain a better understanding of their body’s capabilities.
• Physical Health: Moving in fresh air promotes overall well-being and fosters a love for physical activity.

Further Reading: Play England highlights the importance of physical play for healthy development, including how movement outdoors supports learning and health. Learn more here.

3. Exploring Our Senses in Nature

Activity: Children use their five senses to engage with the natural world, identifying different sounds, textures, and smells. Equipped with a “sense log” or small notebook, they record their observations about the world around them.

Educational Benefits:

• Sensory Development: Engaging multiple senses in a natural setting enhances observation skills and environmental awareness.
• Language Skills: Describing sensory experiences helps build vocabulary and descriptive language.
• Connection to Nature: Exploring with all five senses fosters a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

Further Reading: National Wildlife Federation explores the value of sensory activities in nature for young children. Read about it here.