Tag Archive for: the Great Outdoors

Forest School: Coming Soon to Hindley Green, Wigan
, , , , , ,

Forest School: Coming Soon to Hindley Green, Wigan

Forest School is Coming Soon to Hindley Green, Wigan
Children are usually fascinated by nature and seem instinctively drawn to natural outdoor spaces.The team at Little Acorns Nursery is delighted to announce that we’ll soon be running regular Forest School sessions for children under five in the Hindley Green/Wigan area. Little ones absolutely adore Forest School — they seem instinctively drawn to nature and natural outdoor spaces. Like them, we simply can’t wait to begin! Preparations and training are underway, and we hope to begin our first Forest School sessions for children from September 2026. It’ll be a really exciting addition for the new term and for families living nearby. With all that in mind, today’s post explains what Forest School is all about, how it came to be, and how it benefits children, especially those under five.

By way of introduction, take a look at this excellent introductory video from The Forest School Association. It explains the fundamentals of Forest School and is about 6 minutes long. That said, we suggest skipping the last minute — everything after the 5-minute mark — to avoid the more commercial content in the final section.

What Forest School Is … & What It Is Not

Forest School is not so much a place, destination, or static centre of learning as it is a child-centred philosophy and learning process.Forest School is not so much a place, destination, or static centre of learning as it is a child-centred philosophy and learning process. Through a Forest School programme, little learners can safely play, explore, and discover outdoors, close to nature, under the supervision of specially trained adult leaders. There, in the natural environment, they will learn new skills and grow holistically in a vast number of new ways.

“Qualified practitioners carefully facilitate programmes which are uniquely tailored to the needs of the individuals within the group and have the fundamental aim of building participants’ self-esteem, confidence, independence and creativity.” — Forest School Association (FSA).

The Forest School approach is backed by research that concludes that attending regular outdoor sessions helps children develop in truly profound ways, including spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and physically. That’s a lot of benefits! What’s more, it helps open young children’s eyes to the wonder and scope of the wider natural world — and helps them better understand how they fit into it.

Forest School’s Roots

Forest School arrived in the UK in the early 1990s.As well as being inspired by several incredibly influential proponents* of outdoor play, learning, and discovery, Forest School has its strongest roots in Scandinavia. It was there that people first took notice of their outdoor ‘Friluftsliv’ (free air life) culture. Soon becoming virtually a way of life, the philosophy began to spread around the world. It eventually arrived as ‘Forest School’, in the UK, back in the early 1990s. Its UK beginnings were initially led by staff from Bridgewater College, Somerset, who had visited Scandinavia to see Friluftsliv for themselves. Since then, Forest School’s popularity has grown and grown, with children and adults loving everything about it and enjoying the many benefits it brings.

What Do Children Do During Forest School Sessions?

During Forest School sessions, children are escorted under the supervision of trained Forest School leaders to a natural open space which, ideally, includes woodland or a wooded section. There, they will play, explore, discover, and learn in a myriad of exciting and stimulating ways. They will develop holistically, learning new skills whilst doing so, as well as developing their own unique relationship to the natural world.

“Forest School programmes aim to develop, where appropriate, the physical, social, cognitive, linguistic, emotional and spiritual aspects of the learner.” — FSA.

Forest School sessions are held regularly over an extended period of time and, weather conditions permitting, cover several seasons of the calendar year.Forest School sessions are held regularly over an extended period of time and, weather conditions permitting, cover several seasons of the calendar year. They’re usually likely to include a variety of activities in tandem with general exploration and discovery. Examples might include climbing, balancing, problem-solving, activities connecting children to nature, working in teams to complete creative or building tasks, and so on.

Importantly, Forest School sessions are designed to be low-impact in their effect on the natural world. This is part of the philosophy of Forest School, with one of the key aims being to foster a sense of responsibility towards the natural world in each child.

“Forest School aims to foster a relationship with nature through regular personal experiences in order to develop long-term, environmentally sustainable attitudes and practices in staff, learners and the wider community.” — FSA.

Forest School principles can also be applied in the nursery setting as well as at home, when appropriate. There, under adult supervision, children can continue on their Forest School programme using resources found in nature as inspiration for ideas, creativity, and further learning.

What About Health & Safety?

All Forest School sessions are undertaken with trained leaders and, of course, appropriate adult supervision and adult-to-learner ratios at all times. In line with the Health & Safety policy of the nursery, practitioners hold appropriate paediatric first aid qualifications. Additionally, a variety of risk assessments are also taken in relation to children exploring the natural environment. Interestingly, though, Forest School sessions are also a perfect way to introduce children themselves to the concept of assessing risk — something they too need to learn to manage as they grow older.

Children Get So Much from Forest School

The impact of Forest School on children can be truly profound. It's not only immense fun, but incredibly beneficial to little ones.The impact of Forest School on children can be truly profound. It’s not only immense fun but also incredibly beneficial to little ones. Even those who previously might have been reserved, or who displayed challenging behaviour, often absolutely flourish when embarking on a Forest School programme. Indeed, many discover skills they didn’t know they had and often relate deeply to the natural world. Forest School is also a great leveller, with children from all kinds of backgrounds finding a new niche where any of them can thrive on an equal playing field. Nature is a place where social bonds adapt and grow in unexpected but often brilliant new ways. New connections are made on so many different levels too. And, with all its profound effects on children, Forest School often helps children develop a long-term appreciation for the natural world, the Great Outdoors, and the need to look after the planet responsibly. It really is a wonderful thing — and we can’t wait to introduce Hindley Green and Wigan children to Forest School.

“Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.” — FSA.

Forest School at Little Acorns Nursery

A Wonderful Start for Children Under 5 in Hindley Green, Wigan

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool in Hindley Green, near Wigan, Bolton & Manchester

Little Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green provides high-quality childcare every weekday, almost all year round. We open early at 7:30 am and close late at 6:00 pm, offering wraparound convenience for working families. We support free childcare places for eligible children too, and look forward to welcoming children to our Forest School programme later in 2026. We’ll announce when it opens officially here on the blog and on social media. We can’t wait to start!

If you’d like to learn more about a nursery place and a Forest School programme for your child at Little Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green, please get in touch using one of the options below:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01942 259 870

Our nursery and Forest School in Hindley Green is also perfectly located for those living nearby in Wigan, Bolton, Bickershaw, Leigh, Atherton, Platt Bridge, Westhoughton, Ince-in-Makerfield, Tyldesley, and Greater Manchester.

/by
18 Reasons Why Outdoor Play is Essential to Children
, ,

18 Reasons Why Outdoor Play is Essential to Children

18 Reasons Why Outdoor Play is Essential to Children
Outdoor play is one of the truly magical elements of any healthy, fun-filled childhood.Outdoor play is one of the truly magical elements of any healthy, fun-filled childhood. At the very least, it gives children the chance for some freedom, fresh air, and adventures that simply aren’t possible indoors. In today’s technological age of electronic screens, however, it’s also something that children have been doing less and less of over the generations. That’s a shame, when you think about it, not least because outdoor play is immense fun and incredibly beneficial to children. In light of this, today’s post explores 18 Reasons Why Outdoor Play is Essential to Children — of all ages. Take a look and see why outdoor play is so good for little ones.

Opportunities for Unique Adventures

Playing outdoors gives children wonderful opportunities for adventure.We mentioned it in our introduction — playing outdoors provides children with wonderful opportunities for real adventures! Whether it’s exploring The Great Outdoors on a family ramble, climbing on playground equipment with friends, embarking on a make-believe quest with the family dog, or making a den with siblings, there are no limits to what’s possible with outdoor play. Indeed, the adventures that are possible through outdoor play are only limited by a child’s imagination! Speaking of which…

Outdoor Play Boosts Creativity

Children are naturally inventive, especially when they play and create. Outdoor play opens up a myriad of new opportunities for them to use their imaginations, generate ideas, build, and create. Whether building a den, inventing new games, role-playing, or crafting things from natural objects, outdoor play naturally boosts children’s imaginations and creative skills.

Outdoor Play is Pure Fun!

Playing outdoors is huge fun!Let’s not forget, too, that playing outdoors is huge fun — and that’s important. Simply put, playing outdoors and giving children space to run around will make them happy. And there’s not much in life that’s more important than a child’s happiness — it’s an essential part of any magical childhood.

Children Learn So Much Through Outdoor Play

It’s common knowledge that young children learn best through play. By playing outdoors, children are exposed to new and virtually infinite opportunities to learn new things. Whether it’s new facts about the world or about themselves, these new learnings are gold dust that will enrich any child.

Outdoor Play Encourages New Skills

Outdoor play lends itself to the learning of new skills.Outdoor play lends itself to the learning of new skills. With such a varied array of activities possible, children will naturally attempt new things, and each of these can be an opportunity to extend their skills. Physical skills might include tying knots, building dens with branches, playing ball games, climbing, racing, and so on. In addition, children will learn softer skills like teamwork, cooperation, strategy, critical thinking, leadership, and role play. What’s more, all of this will happen instinctively — such is the power of outdoor play.

Outdoors is a Feast for the Senses

Playing outdoors is a potential feast for children’s senses (under adult supervision, of course). The outdoor environment is rich in textures, colours, smells, and scents that will stimulate children’s senses — taste too, under close adult supervision. Brightly coloured flowers that smell incredible, the fascinating textures of tree bark, soft moss growing on rocks, the delicious flavour of an apple, and multicoloured rainbows spanning the sky are just a few of the many things that’ll stimulate the senses of a child outdoors. Such stimulation teaches children about the world, about nature, and encourages new connections in children’s developing brains.

Improved Spatial Awareness

Next, we come to the proprioception and vestibular senses, which control and coordinate the position of the body through movement, spatial orientation, and the sensing of gravity — even when the eyes are closed. These additional, hidden senses are also stimulated by the many activities experienced during outdoor play, allowing children to fine-tune their spatial awareness, physical movements, coordination, and the adjustments of force. Such skills will allow them to move optimally and stay safer from potential harm.

Outdoor Play Boosts Friendships

Outdoor play helps children make new social connections and deepen existing friendships.Children who regularly play outdoors will inevitably meet other children and encounter new dynamics. These will help them make new social connections, and immersive activities will deepen existing friendships. Playing outdoors is a great way, therefore, to strengthen and extend a child’s social circle, and boost social skills like teamwork, leadership, cooperation, brain storming, and so on.

Enhanced Communication Skills

All this outdoor play, which is seldom undertaken without other friends, siblings, or family members, is a natural conduit for improving communication skills. Group-based activities and multi-player outdoor games require clear communication skills, which children will naturally learn while having the best fun.

Outdoor Play Supports the EYFS

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is, importantly, another beneficiary when children play outdoors. Several prime and key areas of the EYFS are supported when children do so. Examples include Physical Development, Communication & Language, Understanding the World, Personal, Social & Emotional Development and even Mathematics — each of these is boosted in children who play outdoors.

Outdoor Play Boosts Children Physically

Outdoor play will also help children boost strength, fitness, motor, and coordination skills.The often high-octane activities associated with outdoor play will also help children boost strength, fitness, motor, and coordination skills. By exposing themselves to different terrains, environments, tasks, games, and equipment outdoors, they will increase the variety of motor skills they need to accomplish activities. Running, jumping, hopping, constructing, chasing, and climbing will all help improve them physically, in so many ways that may not be possible indoors. What’s more, such things will help children protect themselves from harm, as well as empower them physically.

Proximity to Nature is Good for Children

Many studies have shown that being close to nature is immensely beneficial to children and adults alike. Indeed, the benefits of nature are profound and numerous to children (click the bold link to read our stand-alone article on the topic). In short, close proximity to nature boosts mental well-being, reduces anxiety, fights depression, and even improves academic grades. Incredibly, even just a view of a natural open space has been proven to improve children’s educational performance. Just a few minutes spent closer to nature can also help children reset following a time of stress.

Outdoor Play Helps Children Assess Risk

Playing outdoors, with adult oversight, is the perfect opportunity for children to begin learning how to assess risk.Playing outdoors, with adult oversight, is the perfect opportunity for children to begin learning how to assess risk. Whether it’s safely navigating outdoor play equipment, stepping over undulating ground, climbing a tree, or playing fast-paced ball games, children will soon learn when and how they need to assess possible risks. It’s a skill that, once learned, will keep them safer from harm, so is incredibly important.

Outdoor Play is in the Real World

Outdoor play takes children back to the all-important basics, away from electronic screens and the dangers of a more sedentary lifestyle. Outdoors, they’re deeply involved in activities, immersing themselves fully into real-life games and scenarios. That’s a far cry from sitting and looking at electronic TVs, tablets, smartphones and computers. And, with the UK recently debating whether it would be better to ban mobiles in schools and social media for children under 16, this is highly relevant today.

Outdoor Play Boosts Confidence

By playing outdoors, children get to enjoy greater movement, more independence, and an element of freedom that’s simply not possible indoors. By giving children such opportunities, they will naturally take charge of activities a little more, learn to make decisions for themselves, and add deeper levels of sophistication to their relationships with friends. Such opportunities will naturally boost independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem — essential tools to help them thrive as they get older.

Outdoor Play Helps Ready Under-5s for School

These new skills and enhancements make under-5s well-equipped when the time comes to leave preschool and begin school.All these new skills and enhancements make under-5s well-equipped when the time comes to leave preschool and begin school. Through outdoor play, they’ll have greater independence, confidence, communication and social skills, and physical skills, to name just a few. What a great way to help them hit the ground running from the moment they begin school!

Outdoor Play Widens Children’s Horizons

There are few activities that will better expose children to the wider world than outdoor play. Through it, they’ll discover new places, new facts, new skills, new activities, and broaden their understanding of our beautiful planet. As well as having fun and discovering new experiences, their eyes will be truly opened to the enormous scope of what’s out there if they care to explore. That widening of horizons can profoundly benefit their lives and future potential.

Outdoor Play Prepares Children for Life

Outdoor play prepares children for life through greater independence, better confidence, raised self-esteem, and new tools, skills and knowledge.All in all, outdoor play prepares children for life. Through greater independence, better confidence, raised self-esteem, and new tools, skills and knowledge at their disposal, children can go forward with new vigour and thrive. Such is the power of outdoor play.

So, with spring not far away at the time of writing, it’s a great time to plan some outdoor play for your children — under adult supervision, of course. Whether it’s a trip to the playground or a hike in the wilds of the countryside, outdoor play will benefit them in incredible ways. And it’s so much fun! What’s not to like?

Little Acorns Nursery, Hindley Green

A Weekday Childcare Service Near Wigan

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool in Hindley Green, near Wigan, Bolton & ManchesterAt Little Acorns Nursery, Hindley Green, we understand the benefits of outdoor play and nature to children. With that in mind, children under our care get to experience rich and stimulating opportunities for outdoor play and proximity to nature. The childcare setting is fortunate to have extensive grounds, where children can enjoy playing on a wide range of equipment or explore nature zones.

Little Acorns Nursery supports free childcare hours for eligible families. This includes eligible children as young as 9 months old. To apply for a place, find out more, arrange a nursery tour, or get in touch, please get started below:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01942 259 870

Little Acorns Nursery is located in Hindley Green, near Wigan. Families living nearby in Bickershaw, Leigh, Atherton, Westhoughton, Ince-in-Makerfield, Platt Bridge, Tyldesley, Bolton and Greater Manchester may also find it a convenient choice.

/by
Winter Treasure Hunt Activity (With Free Reference Poster)
, , , , , , , , ,

Winter Treasure Hunt Activity (With Free Reference Poster)

Winter Treasure Hunt Activity (With Free Reference Poster)

Today’s Winter Treasure Hunt activity is a great antidote to the cold temperatures and shorter days that families experience during this season. So long as the weather is not dangerous or insanely cold, families can still enjoy the outdoors if they are dressed appropriately and children are adequately supervised. Even in winter, there is still so much for children to discover in The Great Outdoors! What’s more, spending time in and around nature is generally very good for both children and adults (more about that later). With all that in mind, we’ve put together a free reference poster that families can download and use as the basis for an exciting Winter Treasure Hunt. There are all manner of magical things for children to search for and discover in the winter months — from leaf skeletons, pine cones, and frosted spider webs, to animal tracks, icicles and miraculously unique snowflakes. So, take a look and download a free reference poster for your child today — and check out others in the same series.

Poster Preview:

Winter Treasure Hunt reference poster preview - click to view or download.

Click the poster preview image to either view or download it in high resolution (Acrobat PDF format). It can be printed out as large as A3 or as small as A4 or A5 if preferred. Perhaps print out a copy for children to take with them when they embark on their winter treasure hunt. Families can use the little tick boxes to keep track of each treasure discovered.

When the time is right, this activity should encourage children to get outdoors* to see some of the magical things that nature provides during the winter. Nature lifts the spirits, helps children and families get exercise, gives children a sense of freedom and adventure, and also has a whole host of other incredible benefits. So, this is a wonderfully worthwhile activity for children to take part in.

Little Acorns Nursery, Hindley Green, Wigan

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool in Hindley Green, near Wigan, Bolton & ManchesterLittle Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green is rated as a good childcare provider by Ofsted.Little Acorns is a superb childcare nursery in Hindley Green, near Wigan. Children here also get to enjoy nature and outdoor play as we have extensive grounds, nature zones, wild areas, and many other high-quality facilities. And, of course, our facilities and resources indoors give them a rich environment where they can play, discover and learn, all at their own pace. It’s a wonderful home-from-home environment where children under five have fun, thrive in their learning and development, and feel valued. All in all, we give children the very best start in life and ensure they become well-rounded and school-ready by the time they leave us to begin school.

Get in touch today to enquire about a possible nursery/preschool place for your baby, toddler, or child under five. We’d love to show you and your little one around and answer any questions:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01942 259 870

Little Acorns Nursery is located in Hindley Green, near Wigan, Greater Manchester. Families in Bickershaw, Leigh, Atherton, Westhoughton, Ince-in-Makerfield, Platt Bridge, Tyldesley, and Bolton will also find that it’s conveniently close for their childcare needs.

*Safety Notice

Children, particularly the young, will need to be closely supervised and stay vigilant to potential danger when venturing outdoors. Ensure children take care not to slip on mud, snow, or ice. Teach them how to avoid hurting themselves, for example when stumbling on uneven ground or catching themselves on sharp things like thorns, brambles, and rocks. Water sources like ponds and lakes are particularly dangerous — especially so when iced over — and children need to take extra care near traffic. And, of course, they need to be aware of possible stranger danger. These are just a few examples and parents/supervising adults will need to do their own risk assessments and stay vigilant at all times when accompanying children outdoors.

/by
Let's Go on an Autumn Nature Hunt! (With Free Reference Sheet for Children)
, , , , , , , , ,

Let’s Go on an Autumn Nature Hunt! (With Free Reference Sheet)

Let's Go on an Autumn Nature Hunt! (With Free Reference Sheet for Children)

Autumn is a beautiful season and one of the most magical times of the year. It is particularly fascinating for young children as they witness the wondrous changes that take place in nature. From the crisp, clean air and trees turning a myriad of colours, to leaves falling like leafy snowflakes, and nature providing an array of seeds, nuts and food for wildlife, it’s remarkable. At such a time, children can enjoy a wide variety of fun and educational activities out in the Great Outdoors. Such activities will demonstrate just how incredible Autumn and nature are and what a fascinating bounty of magical things they provide. There is so much to see and discover and all children need to do is get outside with family and friends and explore. With that in mind, we’ve put together a reference sheet that highlights 20 of Autumn’s treasures for children to look out for and collect, under adult supervision, at this time of year.

Download a Free Autumn Reference Sheet for Your Child

Click the preview image to download the Autumn Nature Hunt reference sheet in high resolution. Try printing it out using your best paper and printer settings for the optimum results, or view it on a tablet or smartphone to take with you and your child when you’re out and about. They’ll be able to use the reference to see which autumnal treasures they can find and then tick off from the sheet. It also makes a great poster, suiting prints up to A3 in size.

Preview of the Autumn Nature Hunt reference sheet. Click to download or view on screen.

Nature Teaches Children So Much

The Benefits & Importance of Nature to Children in Early ChildhoodFinding natural autumn treasures is a great opportunity for children to appreciate the magic and beauty of nature, understand the seasons, and learn about the circle of life. Parents or accompanying adults can explain how seeds and nuts grow into plants and trees or even encourage little ones to plant them in pots to grow at home.  Demonstrate how seeds from trees like sycamores can fly on the breeze like helicopters and spread the tree population to wider areas — children will love that! Explain how some of the season’s treasures provide a bounty of food that wild animals and birds can eat or even store for the winter. Children will find such conversations and insights fascinating. Spending time in and around nature is hugely beneficial to children. It will also help little ones better understand the world — and their place within it. Such conversations are also a wonderful starting point for children to explore further as, like the seeds, they grow and flourish.

“Let nature be your teacher.” — William Wordsworth.

More inspirational quotes about nature and childhood can be found here.

Little Acorns Nursery, Hindley Green, Wigan

Consider a Place for Your Child at our Hindley Green Nursery and Preschool, near Wigan

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool in Hindley Green, near Wigan, Bolton & ManchesterLittle Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green is rated as a good childcare provider by Ofsted.Staff and children love nature at Little Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green, near Wigan. With our extensive grounds, nature-themed zones, wild areas, and high-quality facilities, children get to play, discover and learn in a rich environment. It’s a wonderful place where babies and under-fives have fun, thrive and flourish. Rest assured, too, that our early years practitioners do everything they can to help each child become the very best version of themselves in readiness for the start of their school life.

If you have a baby, toddler, or child under five and live in the Hindley Green or Wigan area, why not come for a guided visit with your child? We’ll show you around and you’ll see, first-hand, what a lovely home-from-home childcare setting it is — and how well your child will fit in. And, once you’re ready, we’d love you to register for a place so that we can welcome you to the Little Acorns family. Choose a button to get started:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01942 259 870

Little Acorns is a high-quality nursery and preschool in Hindley Green. As such, we are also conveniently close to families in nearby towns and villages including Bickershaw, Leigh, Atherton, Westhoughton, Ince-in-Makerfield, Platt Bridge, Tyldesley, and Bolton, Greater Manchester.

/by
Discover Minibeasts – A Fun Nature Activity for Children
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Discover Minibeasts – A Fun Nature Activity for Children

Discover Minibeasts – A Fun Nature-Based Activity for Children

Today's activity comes with a free A3 poster that families can download to help identify 30 types of creature.Today’s ‘Discover Minibeasts’ post is the third in our series of nature-based activities for children. And, as with the bird spotting and the butterfly spotting activities, this one also comes with a free A3 poster for families to download. Children will be able to use the poster to identify the 30 different species of minibeast that are featured. From ants and aphids to weevils, woodlice and worms, there are some fascinating critters for children to look out for.

Did you know? There are about 25,000 different types of minibeast in the UK!

Minibeast spotting is a great activity that will help to nurture children’s interest in outdoor play and nature — and that’s important. Study after study shows that spending time in nature is hugely beneficial to children of all ages. As well as helping children physically, emotionally and spiritually, nature and outdoor play help them learn new skills and can even improve grades (follow that last bold link for more details). What’s more, it can lead to a life-long love and appreciation of nature and The Great Outdoors, as well as encouraging children to learn about ecological issues like global warming, habitat loss and the need to protect the natural world. Such is the potential power of today’s humble minibeast-spotting activity! With that in mind, why not download our free poster today? It’s completely free and no sign-up of any kind is needed.

Preview of the Free Minibeasts Poster:

Preview of the A3 poster. Click to download it (full instructions can be found below the image).

How to Download the Poster

Simply click the large poster preview image or this link to view/download the high-resolution version (whether you left-click or right-click to download will depend upon your particular browser settings — try both if you’re unsure). The file is less than 3MB in size. You will need Acrobat Reader on your device, which is available free of charge here. When printing out, we recommend using full colour and high-quality settings and paper for the best results. You/your child can alternatively view the poster on screen, e.g. on an iPad or tablet, which will allow you/your child to zoom in for the highest detail.

Given that minibeasts are mostly found outdoors, it’s important for children, especially the very young, to be supervised, for safety purposes. There are many potential dangers outside, so parents or caregivers will need to be vigilant around these when supervising little ones.

Tips for Spotting Minibeasts

Once children are armed with handheld versions of their minibeast posters, they’ll need to work out where best to spot them. The good news is that minibeasts are almost everywhere there are plants, trees and soil. Children can look for the more visible minibeasts like bees, butterflies, caterpillars, moths, ladybirds, aphids and hoverflies simply by looking for flowers and plants, which are a food source for such critters. Other minibeasts like grubs and earthworms may be found within soil and compost, so a little (gentle) digging around may prove fruitful for them — but care will need to be taken not to harm the little creatures. Meanwhile, the best places to find creatures like beetles, woodlice, millipedes and centipedes are generally going to be under things. For example, they may have their homes under piles of leaves, under flower pots, under rotting logs and — the best place of all for minibeasts — in the compost heap!

Be Gentle — Encourage Empathy

When supervising children for this minibeast-spotting activity — or any other involving animals and insects — please be sure to teach children about gentleness and empathy. Minibeasts are small and fragile creatures, so ideally should be looked at but not touched or disturbed. Teach children that each is an individual, with its own life, needs and feelings. Minibeasts will also not want to be taken from their homes, wherever those may be. So, please do encourage children to be gentle and kind, just like they’d like to be treated themselves if it were the other way around. Thank you.

Is your toddler frightened of insects like spiders? If so, try naming them, for example, “Simon the Spider”. In this way, children will begin to associate each as an individual, rather than just a scary and nameless critter. This approach can really help!

Discover Minibeasts!

All in all, minibeast spotting is a fun and fascinating activity for children to take part in and is perfect for the spring, summer and autumn seasons. As well as being fun, educational and worthwhile it also raises children’s interest in ecological matters. For example, it may lead children to realise the need to nurture the natural world, the problems associated with harmful pesticides and weedkillers, and the need to leave natural, undisturbed areas for wildlife to flourish. Children will eventually become the stewards of our beloved Planet Earth, so educating them early about looking after the planet is crucial for the existence not only of the flora and fauna, but also for mankind itself.

A Focus on Nature at Little Acorns Nursery, Hindley Green

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool in Hindley Green, near Wigan, Bolton & ManchesterLittle Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green is rated as a good childcare provider by Ofsted.The childcare professionals at Little Acorns Nursery know full well how important nature is to children as part of their early years learning and development. That’s why we’re adopting the ‘Hygge’ lifestyle at the setting. We ensure children get ample access to outdoor spaces to play, explore and learn in whenever possible. Even indoors, children get access to natural materials and resources.

Do you have a child under five and live in the Hindley Green area, near Wigan, or in a nearby location like Bickershaw, Leigh, Atherton, Westhoughton, Ince-in-Makerfield, Platt Bridge, Tyldesley, or Bolton? If so, Little Acorns Nursery offers a first-class early years education and weekday childcare service that’ll give your little one the very best start in life. We’ll nurture them and do everything we can to help them develop into the very best version of themselves so that they’re fully prepared and ready for school by the time they leave us as they approach the age of five. What’s more, we support Government funding including free childcare schemes for eligible families. Get in touch today to register your child for a nursery/preschool place, book a guided tour of the nursery or ask a question. We’re here to help!

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01942 259 870
/by
Discover British Birds – A Fun Nature Activity for Children
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Discover British Birds – A Fun Nature Activity for Children

Discover British Birds – A Fun Nature Activity for Children

Today's nature-based activity comes with a free poster download for children/families to print out and use as a checklist.Today, in a follow-up to the butterfly-spotting activity that we published in May, we bring you a matching bird-spotting activity for children to take part in. The activity will help to nurture children’s interest in birds and nature, which is beneficial to children in a myriad of different ways. It’ll also encourage them to recharge in the fresh air, outdoors, and escape from electronic screens and toys for a while. Outdoor play is important for little ones and many studies have backed this up.

Free Bird Poster

Like before, today’s article comes with a free reference poster for families to download and print out. The poster features 40 different species of bird that can be found in Britain. Most are fairly common, with just a handful that are more shy or seen more rarely. Children, including those under five, can display the A3 poster on their bedroom or nursery wall, or print it out as a smaller hand-out to use as reference when they’re outdoors. The visual reference will allow children to see how many different birds they can spot over the course of a year, we suggest. Supervising adults can help them to learn the bird names too, as we appreciate the youngest may not yet be able to read the names unaided. Take a look at the poster preview below and download it for your child today.

Preview of the Free Bird Poster:

Preview of the free poster download - click to view/download (see instructions panel).

Download Instructions

Depending on your settings, you can usually left- or right-click the image above (or this link) to either open it on screen or save it to your device. Once opened in Acrobat Reader ∞, your child will also be able to view the images large, by zooming in, to get all the fine detail. If printing out, we recommend using high-quality printing paper and the finest colour settings for best results. Print at A3 to use as a poster or A4 to use as hand-outs for your children to take outdoors.

Tips for Spotting Birds

As well as being a fun, nature-based activity, bird spotting can teach children valuable skills like patience, stealth, observation, perseverance, critical thinking and empathy to name just a few. With that in mind, here are some tips that may help children to see more types of birds when taking part in this activity.

  • Try different locations and a variety of natural environments, including at different times of the year (spring to autumn). Your child will see different types of birds by using this approach. Please note, however, that we have not included waterfowl in our poster, although may keep that option up our sleeves for a future poster/activity.
  • Teach children to keep movements and sound minimal when they’re waiting for birds to come to a particular spot, so the birds are not frightened away.
  • If moving, for example through a forest, moving quietly and stealthily will ensure that children will see more types of birds. Care even over each footstep will help if it means that children will avoid making a ‘crack’ because they stepped on a twig. Such an approach will also help them hone their balance and gross motor skills, as well as make the activity feel more exciting.
  • Attracting birds with the right kinds of bird food will help with this activity. In gardens, ‘peanut cakes’, suet seed balls, sunflower ‘hearts’ (seeds with the outer husk removed) and, sparingly, grated Cheddar cheese are always popular.
  • The use of binoculars or monoculars will help spot birds further away. For safety, children should use them only under adult supervision and avoid pointing them towards the sun and other bright objects.
  • Teach children to also listen out for the various bird calls, as those can give away the location and even type of birds.
  • Encourage children to develop a ‘keen eye’, i.e. good observational skills that are proactive as well as reactive.

Why This Activity is Important

As well as being fun, educational and beneficial to children through time spent in nature, bird-spotting helps to draw children’s attention to the plight of birds, other wild creatures and the natural environment. Sadly, the number of birds has dropped by nearly 60% in the UK since 1979. The population of house sparrows alone has declined by almost 22 million in the last 57 years. The Chief Executive of the RSPB stated the following after 2023’s Big Garden Birdwatch:

“The numbers speak for themselves when it comes to the startling declines of some of our once common birds…
We are in a nature and climate emergency and we’ve lost 38 million birds from our skies in the last 50 years.”

Nature activities like butterfly-spotting, bird-spotting, country walks and outdoor play around nature will help foster children’s interest in the Great Outdoors and the simple pleasures associated with spending time in the natural environment. That alone is very good for both body and soul. In parallel, though, such activities are also likely to encourage an interest in ecology, conservation, reversing habitat loss, and eco-friendly lifestyles. All of these benefit the world itself. Moreover, such interests often last a lifetime. So, this simple type of children’s activity can have a real domino effect.

Nature-Based Activities for Under-5s at Little Acorns Nursery, Hindley Green

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool in Hindley Green, near Wigan, Bolton & ManchesterLittle Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green is rated as a good childcare provider by Ofsted.Because spending time around nature is so important, the team at Little Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green ensure that children get good access to nature, nature-based activities and even natural materials. This approach is backed up by our adoption of ‘Hygge’ at the setting. This, together with our first-class approach to early years childcare, give babies, toddlers and preschoolers a great start in life, giving them all the tools to absolutely thrive. As well as that, we also support all Government-funded childcare places for eligible families.

Why not register your little one for a childcare place at Little Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green, near Wigan? Get in touch using a button below and we’ll be happy to show you and your little one around, answer questions and register them for a nursery place.

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01942 259 870

Little Acorns is a high-quality nursery & preschool in Hindley Green, near Wigan. We are also nearby to Bickershaw, Leigh, Atherton, Westhoughton, Ince-in-Makerfield, Platt Bridge, Tyldesley, Bolton and Greater Manchester, so may also suit families living or working in those locations.

Safety & Well-Being

Before we sign off from this post, we should mention the topic of safety and well-being for children. Vigilance around these is critical and seldom more crucial than when children are spending time outdoors. Children, especially the very young, should therefore be closely supervised by a responsible adult at all times, paying special attention to hazards including ponds and water sources of any kind, poisonous plants, toxic chemicals (weedkiller, pest killer etc.), trip hazards, nasty drops and uneven ground, sources of germs, barbed wire and other sharp objects, roads, railways and traffic, potential allergens, choking hazards, stranger danger, risks around becoming lost, and so on. Parents/adults will need to constantly watch out for potential risks and teach children to do so too. This list is not exhaustive, so do your research/assessments.

/by
Discover British Butterflies: A Fun Nature Activity for Children
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Discover British Butterflies: A Fun Nature Activity for Children

Discover British Butterflies: A Fun Nature Activity for Children

Nature is hugely beneficial for children, so it's good to encourage them to get outdoors and search out these incredibly beautiful creatures.Today’s exciting blog post encourages families to explore the wonders of nature and embark on a delightful butterfly-spotting adventure! Butterflies are simply beautiful creatures and their amazing colours and patterns are sure to appeal to little ones. With that in mind, we have prepared a visually appealing and informative A3 poster featuring 36 British butterflies, which you can download for free and print out. So, why not get the family ready to step outside, immerse yourselves in nature, and create cherished memories as you observe these enchanting creatures in their natural habitat? The poster gives visual reference and also ensures you have a lasting memento of this unique experience. Over time, this poster and nature-based activity will help you and your little one learn to identify these diverse and important little pollinators. As we reported before, nature is hugely beneficial for children, so it’s good to encourage them to get outdoors and search out these incredible little beings. Let’s take a look and dive into the fascinating world of butterflies together…

Butterfly Poster Preview:

Free A3 British Butterflies poster to download or print.

Download Instructions

Depending on your settings, left-clicking the image above — or this link — will usually open it directly on screen, where you can see the images and zoom in on all the lovely detail. Alternatively, try right-clicking to save the file to your hard drive and then open it manually in Acrobat Reader ∞. Print out the file to good quality A3 paper or ‘reduce to fit’ to print at A4.

Explore the Great Outdoors With Respect

Now that you have your poster, it’s time to venture outdoors with your little ones and seek out these beautiful butterflies. Whether you have a garden, a local park, or access to nature reserves and countryside, these locations often provide excellent opportunities for butterfly sightings. Teach children to have keen eyes and perhaps take along a camera, smartphone or magnifying glass for a closer look. Encourage them to keep track of the butterflies they encounter by marking or ticking the corresponding species on their poster. Perhaps take note of the date and location of each sighting, so you can go back again if you find a busy butterfly spot.

Remember, though, that butterflies are incredibly fragile little individuals that are peacefully going about their business. So, teach your children to respect them and not to touch or attempt to catch them — encourage children to observe, appreciate and enjoy their unique beauty.

Why This Activity is Important

Butterflies and other pollinators have experienced a significant decline in the UK over recent years, highlighting the importance of encouraging children to appreciate and respect nature. According to studies, butterfly populations have declined by approximately 40% in the past four decades, with certain species facing an even more alarming decline. These statistics serve as a wake-up call that emphasises the urgent need to protect and restore habitats that support these beautiful creatures.

Children can be a part of that. Engaging children in nature not only benefits them directly, but it also nurtures their sense of wonder and curiosity. Importantly, though, it also instils in them a deep appreciation for the environment and its inhabitants. By embarking on butterfly-spotting adventures and immersing themselves in the natural world, children will develop a sense of empathy for other creatures. They will begin to understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and recognise the importance of preserving habitats for the survival of butterflies and other wildlife. Let’s inspire a love for butterflies and the natural world and foster a generation that cherishes and safeguards the rich biodiversity that sustains us all.

Nature for Under-Fives at Little Acorns Nursery, Hindley Green

Little Acorns Nursery & Pre-School in Hindley Green, near Wigan, Bolton & ManchesterWe fully appreciate the importance and enormous benefits of introducing young children to nature at Little Acorns Nursery. Indeed, it’s one of the many reasons we’ve adopted the Hygge approach to early years childcare at the setting. So, if you would like your baby, toddler or preschooler to enjoy the very best childcare and early years education, register them for a childcare place at Little Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green, near Wigan. We’d be happy to show you around too, so you can see how well your child fits in. What’s more; we support free Government-funded childcare places for eligible families, so get in touch using an option below.

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01942 259 870

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is at Hindley Green, near Wigan, close to Bickershaw, Leigh, Atherton, Westhoughton, Ince-in-Makerfield, Platt Bridge, Tyldesley, Bolton and Greater Manchester.

/by
The Benefits & Importance of Nature to Children in Early Childhood
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Importance of Nature in Early Childhood

The Benefits & Importance of Nature to Children in Early Childhood

Exposure to natural environments can have a profound impact on a child's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.As parents, we all want the best for our children. We strive to provide them with a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports their growth and development. However, in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of nature in our children’s lives.

Nature has long been recognised for its therapeutic and restorative effects on humans, and this is especially true for children in their early years. Exposure to natural environments can have a profound impact on a child’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.

In this article today, we will explore the benefits of nature to children’s development, provide practical tips on how to incorporate nature into a child’s life and discuss the importance of nature education in early childhood. We hope to inspire parents and caregivers to embrace nature as a fundamental part of a child’s upbringing, and to recognise its immense value in shaping their future.

“Nature play in early childhood has been found to enhance the development of sensory, motor, and cognitive skills, as well as creativity and imagination.” (International Journal of Play)

The Benefits of Nature to Children’s Development

Nature and exposure to natural environments can have a significant and multifaceted range of benefits for children. This is particularly true when it’s introduced early in their lives, because research shows that early childhood is a critical period for brain development and learning. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that nature can bring to little ones.

There are many benefits of nature to children’s learning and development.

Improved Physical Health & Healthier Habits

Spending time in nature can promote physical activity and healthy habits, thereby reducing unhealthy sedentary behaviour and potentially even reducing the risk of obesity. Outdoor play and exploration can also help children to develop gross motor skills, coordination, balance, and agility. Exposure to natural light and fresh air is also known to boost the immune system and thereby help overall health.

Enhanced Cognitive Development

Nature can provide a rich sensory environment that stimulates the brain and enhances cognitive function. Studies show that exposure to natural settings has been shown to improve attention span, memory, and problem-solving skills as well as boost creativity, imagination, and curiosity. In addition, by learning about the natural world, children can develop a deeper understanding of science, maths, and other subjects.

Reduced Stress & Improved Emotional Well-Being

Spending time in natural environments can often reduce stress and anxiety in both children and adults. Nature provides a calming and soothing atmosphere that promotes a more positive mood. Self-esteem, confidence, and emotional regulation are also known to be improved by exposure to green spaces and natural settings.

Increased Creativity & Imagination

Outdoor exploration and discovery can foster a real sense of wonder and awe in children. The natural beauty and diversity of nature can also spark creativity and encourage artistic expression in children. Indeed, it can represent an endless source of inspiration for imaginative play.

Better Social Skills & Relationships

Nature is a wonderful setting for social interaction and play. It can provide many opportunities for children to learn new skills, including collaboration, cooperation, teamwork and communication. By encouraging critical thinking, outdoor activities also promote problem-solving skills. Exposure to nature can also improve empathy, compassion, and respect for others and the environment. It’s also a wonderful leveller.

Nature Education Fosters Environmental Awareness & Stewardship

By learning about the natural environment, children can develop a sense of environmental awareness and stewardship. This can encourage them to take action to protect the environment and promote sustainability.

“Exposure to nature has a restorative effect on cognitive function, particularly attention and memory. Children with ADHD have shown significant improvement in concentration after spending time in nature.” (Journal of Attention Disorders)

How to Incorporate Nature into Your Child’s Life

Integrating nature into your child’s life doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. There are many simple and practical ways to expose your child to the benefits of the natural world. Here are some ideas:

  • There are many simple and practical ways to expose your child to the benefits of the natural world.Make time for outdoor play — set aside regular time for outdoor play and exploration. This can include visits to local parks, nature reserves, or your own back garden.
  • Encourage outdoor activities — encourage your child to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, gardening, and camping (under suitable adult supervision, of course, especially when children are very young). Such activities can provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and exposure to nature.
  • Take nature walks — go for walks with children in natural settings such as forests, beaches, or hills. Use this time to explore and learn about the natural environment and its wonderful inhabitants.
  • Plant a garden — planting a garden can provide a hands-on learning experience for children, as well as a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. It can also encourage healthy eating habits and an appreciation for nature’s beauty. If you have no garden, grow bags can be used on a patio, or pots can be used on balconies and windowsills.
  • Bring nature indoors — incorporate natural elements into your home, such as potted plants, natural materials like wood or stone, or even nature-themed murals and pictures. The Hygge lifestyle also embraces this approach, hence having adopted Hygge at Little Acorns Nursery.
  • Limit screen time — reduce the amount of time your child spends in front of electronic screens and encourage more outdoor activities and play, supervised as appropriate of course.
  • Get involved in nature-related organisations, clubs or groups — consider joining one of these or volunteering for environmental conservation or nature education projects. This can provide opportunities for your child to learn more about nature and develop a sense of environmental stewardship.

By incorporating nature into your child’s life in these and other ways, you can help them develop a lifelong love and appreciation for the natural world that will last a lifetime.

We hope that this article has inspired you to incorporate nature into your child’s life and consider the benefits of nature education in their early childhood.

“Nature exposure in early childhood is associated with multiple cognitive benefits including enhanced cognitive functioning, increased creativity, improved academic performance, and decreased attentional deficits.” (Frontiers in Psychology)

Our Approach to Nature Education at Little Acorns Nursery, Hindley Green

At Little Acorns Nursery, we believe in the importance of nature in children’s lives. So, we provide a rich and stimulating environment that includes plenty of opportunities for outdoor play and nature education. Our adoption of the Hygge lifestyle and extensive outdoor grounds with natural areas for children to explore are all part of this. If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about our approach to education and how it embraces nature, please get in touch.

Weekday Nursery & Preschool Places in Hindley Green, near Wigan

Little Acorns Nursery & Pre-School in Hindley Green, near Wigan, Bolton & ManchesterLittle Acorns provides an exceptionally high standard of weekday childcare at our Hindley Green nursery and preschool, near Wigan. We support all Government childcare funding schemes, including free hours for eligible families. Do get in touch if you would like to register your child for a place, get a guided tour with your little one or if you have any questions.

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01942 259 870

Little Acorns Nursery & pre-school is located in Hindley Green, near Wigan, and may also be convenient to those in Bickershaw, Leigh, Atherton, Westhoughton, Ince-in-Makerfield, Platt Bridge, Tyldesley, Bolton and Greater Manchester.

/by
© Copyright - Little Acorns Nursery, Hindley Green 2025. All rights reserved | Our Privacy Policy.
Call Now Button