About 250 children from Early Years settings have visited KGV community centre in the summer months through events organised by the Be Active team. The Go Wild initiative encourages children to engage with nature, walking, playing and learning in a fun, friendly outside environment.
Children have opportunities to use bug collectors, magnifying glasses, identify insects and leaves and enjoy reading nature-themed books. There is also a bug hotel along the nature trail.
The walk is available for any member of the community to access. The following resources are available for families to use when engaging with nature.
Tree/Plant Identification
· Identify some species of trees and plants on the nature trail.
· Describe parts of plants that help us identify them.
· Use a spotter guide or ID card to help to name plants.
Nature Stories
· Use natural materials to create a picture on the ground of a character from the story.
Minibeast Hunt
· Observe and recognise some simple characteristics of minibeasts and other living things and their habitats.
Exploring Senses
· Using natural materials mix up a potion in a cup.
· Challenge the children to remain still, sitting on a ‘sit spot’ marker. Set a timer to see if they can remain still and quiet and listen to sounds around them.
· Cloud spotting/Looking at the leaf canopy.
Colours in Nature
· Colour matching with pebbles: Each child picks a pebble from the bag. They will search the specific area to find natural items matching their colour.
· Children to walk slowly under the trees while holding a mirror flat at the end of their nose so they can look straight up into the canopy and feel like they are walking through it.
· Rainbow Treasure Hunt: Children work as a team to find natural items matching the colours on the table.