You don’t need a forest to support powerful, purposeful play at home. Here are a few simple ways you can foster playful learning:
- Embrace Messy Play
Sand, water, mud, and paint are amazing tools for sensory development and creativity. Don’t worry about the mess, think of it as learning in action! - Offer Loose Parts
Raid the recycling bin! Bottle tops, cardboard tubes, fabric scraps, and natural materials like sticks or stones can become anything in the hands of a child. - Let Go of Outcomes
Avoid directing play. Instead of asking, “What are you making?” try “Tell me about what you're doing.” Let children lead the way. - Make Time for Boredom
Boredom is the birthplace of creativity. Try not to fill every moment. Give your child the time and space to invent their own play. - Join In… Sometimes!
While independent play is important, shared play builds connection. Let your child take the lead and join them in their world, even if it’s just for ten minutes.
Play is the foundation of how children explore, connect, and grow. Through Forest School, and your support at home, your child is developing the skills, confidence, and resilience they need for life. So next time your child is covered in mud, lost in imaginative play, or building castles out of cushions, remember, this is learning at its very best.