Children learn by exploring the world around them.
Nature has a unique way of unlocking a child's learning. Whether they're digging in the soil, planting seeds, or observing insects, children are making discoveries and developing new skills.
Gardening encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, while helping children build a deeper understanding of the natural world through play.
Watch the film below from the CBeebies Show I Can Grow It to see how presenter Aaron unearths the secrets of their city garden with his team of helpers.
Hello. We love to play in the I Can Grow It garden.
Playing uses loads of senses.
Touching, looking, hearing, all things that children do naturally.
And it's a great way to get children to engage even when things are a little bit tricky.
In this next clip, Joda and Mia are playing a complicated game of matching the description to the right herb.
Right, Joda, Mia, the next one is, my leaves have lines like the ones on your hand. What?
Look them. Oh, these lines.
Which one is it? Is it rosemary or mint?
Oh, maybe it's that one.
Maybe it's that one.
You think rosemary?
Yeah. Let's see what the answer is.
The answer's mint. It's actually this one. Oh, yeah. I know.
Getting things wrong is all part of the process.
Joda and Mia were so engaged in the game that they just kept going.
And that's the great thing about play.
It creates an environment that gives children confidence to keep trying.
There are also simple ways to play that spark a child's imagination, like this next moment with Nelly and Nova.
That means, hello, good morning, I'd like toast for breakfast, please.
It's a nice weather today, love, but love birdies to Nelly.
This type of imaginative play really helps us to connect in the moment.
Working together towards the same goal is a great way for all of us to interact.
Like in this next clip, James and Noah were working together, enjoying some physical play.
And physical play can turn everyday chores like tidying up into a game.
Noah, you're going to put the leaves inside the wheelbarrow, ok? Good.
Watch out for the chatterpot.
Sometimes we as adults might start the game.
Sometimes the children might start it.
Sometimes we play together.
Sometimes they play on their own. It all counts.
Exploring, playing with words, physical play, all of these things can help us connect with children and help them to connect withthe world around them.
Three ways to make the most of play time in nature
Let imaginations run wild
Play is an important way for children to learn about the world. Through play, children develop communications skills, build, confidence and learn how to work with others.
Play doesn’t always need careful planning. It can happen naturally throughout the day.
“Children are primed to be young explorers” says Dr Claire Halsey, a child psychologist.
In the film, Aaron and his helpers collect the leaves in the wheelbarrow. A child may then take the lead and pretend play with the wheelbarrow as a racing car! It all counts as valuable learning through play.
Think about games and physical play
Lifting, carrying and moving objects help children to develop coordination, balance and strength.
As you’re playing together with your child you might want to talk about what you’re doing, introduce new words and encourage problem-solving.
In the film, Aaron encourages his helpers to identify the leaves of a plant. They pick the wrong name of the plant, but they are engaged in the game and keep going, which creates an environment that gives children the confidence to keep trying.
This simple game helps build language and understanding while keeping the activity fun.
Make the most of every activity
Learning doesn’t need special activities or lots of equipment. Children are learning all the time through everyday experiences.
Simple gardening activities can spark curiosity and conversation which helps children discover more about the world around them through play.
As children dig, pour, carry and explore, they're developing important skills without even realising it. They might wonder why some plants grow faster than others or notice different colours and textures.
