Talk to the animals

From birds nesting in the trees to a trail of ants among the flower beds, even the smallest of creatures can provide endless fascination for young minds.

But learning about the animal kingdom doesn’t just have to happen through textbooks – kids can also get outdoors and discover through hands-on play. They can learn so much more by exploring outside their usual surroundings and figuring out things for themselves.

Budding naturalists can observe different species and hypothesise how they will react to new situations while learning about the world around them. What’s more, watching and caring for all the animals, imaginary or real, can help children to develop character traits like empathy, too.

Whether it’s building social skills, working together in a team or learning to problem-solve, it only takes a little outdoor play and imagination to get started.

Sign up to Empty Classroom Day and discover more about the benefits of learning and play outdoors.