Children have always loved making dens and hiding away in shelters. It gives them a sense of their own space and a chance to build on their imagination. Whether it’s playing house or shops or something else entirely, shelters are the perfect hub for role play games. The outdoor learning opportunities with shelters are almost endless. Some examples of outdoor learning while using shelters includes:
- human geography (i.e. what sort of buildings did people live in throughout history).
- maths (angles, geometrics, tessellation and symmetry)
- creativity (role play games and performing plays)
- drawing skills
- practical skills
Ideas for using shelters as a learning resource
- Take a look at housing through history and ask the children how the way humans shelter has changed, what materials were used and why. This is bound to generate a very interesting discussion focusing on history and basic science.
- Ask the class about the different shapes used to build shelters and ask them why. For example, why are wigwams shaped as pyramids and sheds shaped as rectangles?
- Get the children to draw their own dream shelter and get them to consider the materials to use for it.
- Go outside and use pieces of nature, such as twigs and leaves, to create a shelter collage.
- Determine which shapes and angles are used to create each building and encourage.
We have a fantastic collection of shelters and outdoor classrooms to choose from. Whether you want a bandstand, gazebo, cabin or teepee, we have it all at Playforce!
Visit our website for more resources for schools or call 01225 792660 for more information.
Download our amazing brochure to start planning your dream outdoor playground today!