Outdoors: Stem – create real construction projects

Plenty of the common construction tools are available in smaller versions, and we recommend that you collect these items as they offer purposeful movements and actions that cannot be replicated by plastic toys.

Your benefit-risk assessments will need to be robust and your choices focused on the needs, interests and abilities of each child.

in the moment

Much of children’s play outdoors encompasses construction and design technology – we’re endlessly fascinated by children’s need to physically represent their ideas. The play can be enriched by introducing STEM words and construction materials and tools. At Dandelion Education’s outdoor nurseries, there are no ‘toys’ and children are encouraged to make their own. A generous range and quantity of tools and materials, along with staff confident in supporting children to use them, means the children can decide what they want to create, and how. Make sure you and your team are confident with the tools you have available; keep an extensive scrap store corner outdoors, where children’s play can be inspired by what they find there, as well as extended by it. We highly recommend visits to your local tip, car boot sales, charity shops and neighbours’ skips.