A is for Adventure: The ABC of Nursery Management
This article is taken from our 2025 edition of the ABC of Nursery Management guide. You can explore more topics and expert insights by downloading your copy here.
A is for adventure
Adventure is out there, just waiting for you to find it! When you’re in nature, you don’t have to look far, and most of the time, it will find you…
With magic and wonder around each corner, the great outdoors has so much to offer, to inspire curiosity in little learners and big people alike.
The smell of freshly cut grass in summer, the excitement of rolling over a log to see what curious creatures may be living underneath. The natural treasures to find and seek around every corner, and the soothing sound of birds or trickling streams, are ready for paddlers to splash their tiny feet or plop the perfect pebble.
I’m sure you’ve heard the expression less is more. Well, less is definitely more when it comes to outdoor learning. I’m a huge advocate for preserving the innocence and simplicity of childhood and allowing children to freely explore and take in their surroundings. Doing this creates a far deeper learning experience than we could ever hope to create through directed learning activities, because it’s these core memories and magical little moments that, in turn, truly open us up to receiving knowledge and retaining it.
How memories shape our learning experience
Have you ever smelled something and instantly been transported back to a place and time, and all of a sudden, all the emotions and feelings you felt when you first remember smelling that smell came rushing back to you? Or heard a sound or piece of music that has the same effect? This is because our memories are directly linked to our senses.
In early childhood, children learn predominantly through sensory experiences and by exploring the world around them, which is why sensory tuff trays have seen such a rise in popularity within early childhood education. Sensory play is crucial for brain development and emotional regulation. It teaches them to understand cause and effect, develops language skills, and even improves memory.
Memories store past learning experiences and allow us to revisit previously acquired knowledge and apply it in new situations. When we learn something new, our brain creates a new connection between the new information and an existing memory, strengthening the learning process.
Back to basics
Getting children outdoors to learn doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s often the simplest ideas that have the biggest impact! You don’t need loads of fancy equipment or resources, just a bit of imagination and a sense of adventure.
If you don’t have an outdoor space at your setting, that’s not a problem. A walk to the local park, woods or nature reserve is just as brilliant and can be even more exciting than staying on site. It’s all about getting out and exploring together.
With a little planning, it’s easy to create a safe and secure space in a public area too. It just takes some quick thinking (what we call dynamic risk assessment) and showing both staff and children how to stay safe while still having fun.
When I first started my Forest School business back in 2016, we kept things super simple. Parents would drop the children off in a country pub car park at 9am, and we’d all walk to a nearby spot in the woods with just a couple of backpacks full of essentials. Each child brought their own day pack, and we’d return them, tired, muddy and happy, at 4pm.
Once we got to our woodland spot, we’d set up a little “base camp”. We always started the day with a chat about safety, things like “no pick, no lick”, stick safety, being kind and staying within boundaries. The children helped decide where it was safe to play, then marked the area with ribbons tied around trees. Giving them that responsibility made them feel part of the plan, and they took it seriously!
Next, we’d lay out ground sheets for bags (or pop up a little tent if it was raining), and choose a private spot for toilet time – either a camping toilet or a wild wee! And that was it – our camp was ready.
The rest of the day was all about play and discovery. Balancing on logs, building dens, bug hunting, wildlife spotting, imaginative games, whatever captured their curiosity. The adults were there to guide and support, but the children really led the way.
At the end of the day, we’d all tidy up together, leaving the woods just as we found them, peaceful and undisturbed, with only footprints left behind.
So why not give it a go? Plan your own little outdoor adventure – it doesn’t need to be big or fancy. If you’re looking for more ideas, I’ve written a book called Mud Kitchen Magic: A practical, holistic guide to mindful, muddy play, and child-centred learning in early years development, packed with fun recipes and activities to inspire little minds. You can find it here!
The ABC of Nursery Management 2025 | FREE Download
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About the Author
Charlotte has over 20 years of experience in early years, working across the UK and Europe. A qualified Forest School leader and outdoor specialist, she founded Earthlings Outdoor Learning Services, offering Forest School sessions, training, and consultancy. Charlotte is passionate about child-centred, holistic learning in nature for all ages and settings.
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