Teaching Minibeasts Outdoors in Early Years

Minibeasts are one of the most exciting and engaging topics in Early Years. Young children are naturally curious about small creatures they discover in gardens, playgrounds and outdoor spaces. Worms, beetles, spiders and butterflies often spark questions, investigation and imaginative play.

Taking the minibeasts topic outdoors allows children to explore the natural world in a meaningful way. Instead of simply learning about insects through pictures or stories, children can observe real creatures, investigate habitats and build their understanding through hands-on experiences.

Outdoor learning also provides opportunities to support a wide range of developmental needs, including children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Why Is It Important to Teach Early Years Minibeasts Outdoors?

Teaching minibeasts outdoors allows children to experience learning through real-world exploration. Early Years children learn best through play, discovery and sensory experiences, and the outdoor environment provides the perfect setting for this type of learning.

When children explore minibeasts outdoors, they can observe insects in their natural habitats. They might lift logs to find woodlice, dig in soil to discover worms or watch bees visiting flowers. These experiences help children understand that animals live in different environments and that each creature has its own role in nature.

Outdoor environments also support children’s curiosity. When children find a bug crawling along the ground, they naturally ask questions such as:

• What is that insect?

• Where does it live?

• What does it eat?

These questions help develop communication, language and early scientific thinking.

Outdoor minibeast activities also support several areas of the EYFS curriculum. For example:

• Understanding the World: observing living creatures and habitats

• Communication and Language: describing insects and discussing discoveries

• Physical Development: digging, exploring and moving through outdoor spaces

• Mathematics: counting legs, sorting insects and comparing sizes

Outdoor learning also encourages children to become active explorers, rather than passive learners. They can investigate, observe and discover at their own pace.

How Can Teaching Early Years Minibeasts Outdoors Support SEND Children?

Outdoor learning environments can be particularly beneficial for children with SEND, as they offer flexible and sensory-rich learning experiences.

Many children with additional needs benefit from environments where they can move freely and explore through hands-on activities. Outdoor minibeast investigations allow children to learn through touch, movement and observation, which can support different learning styles.

For example, children may:

• search for insects during a bug hunt

• build habitats using sticks and natural materials

• investigate soil and leaves

• observe insects using magnifying glasses

These activities help children engage with learning in a practical and meaningful way.

Outdoor environments can also support emotional regulation. Some children with SEND may find busy indoor classrooms overwhelming. Outdoor spaces often feel calmer and less restrictive, allowing children to focus and participate more comfortably.

Another important benefit is the opportunity for cooperative play and social interaction. Activities such as building bug hotels or searching for insects encourage children to work together and communicate with their peers.

Minibeast themes can also support language development. Adults can introduce simple vocabulary such as:

• insect

• wings

• antennae

• crawl

• habitat

Using real insects and natural materials helps children understand these words in a concrete way.

Supporting Curiosity Through Outdoor Exploration

Teaching minibeasts outdoors allows Early Years children to develop curiosity about the natural world while building important skills across many areas of learning.

Through bug hunts, habitat building and observation activities, children can explore living creatures in meaningful ways. Outdoor environments give children the freedom to move, investigate and discover, supporting both academic development and wellbeing.

For many children, especially those with additional needs, outdoor learning provides a welcoming and engaging space where they can feel confident, curious and excited about learning.

Sometimes the smallest creatures can inspire the biggest discoveries.

KS1 outdoor learning lessons can be found here.