At our setting, every Tuesday is a special day we call Forest Tuesday, where children enjoy learning and play outdoors in our little woodland and by the lake. This weekly experience provides rich, meaningful opportunities for exploration, creativity, and development. Our small group of children, aged 19 months, 2.5 years, and 3.5 years, engage in a wide variety of activities that make learning fun, purposeful, and hands-on.
One of the highlights of Forest Tuesday is our outdoor mealtimes. Children sit on picnic blankets or low seating to enjoy their snack and lunch, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. These mealtimes encourage social interaction, communication, and independence, as children chat about what they see around them, share observations, and practise turn-taking. It is also an excellent opportunity to extend vocabulary, as children describe the animals, plants, and environment they are exploring.
During Forest Tuesday, children have the chance to observe and explore nature up close. We watch ducks and other animals at the lake, notice insects, collect flowers and leaves, and sometimes create small dens or natural structures using twigs. These activities promote curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. Counting ducks, spotting colours in nature, and describing textures help develop early numeracy, language, and literacy skills in a fun and engaging way.
Physical development is another key focus. Children run, skip, climb, and move freely in the woodland environment, which supports gross motor skills, coordination, and confidence. They enjoy playing games and taking part in movement challenges, developing both their physical abilities and social skills as they cooperate, negotiate, and solve problems with peers.
Forest Tuesday also includes intentional learning within free play. I actively observe each child and look for moments to support their next steps, whether that’s encouraging language during play, supporting problem-solving when building dens, or guiding turn-taking in group games. Every interaction is designed to help children explore, create, and develop new skills while having fun.
Our Forest Tuesday is a simple but highly effective way for children to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor play, and develop key skills across language, creativity, social, and physical areas. Children look forward to it each week, and it’s a day full of curiosity, learning, and enjoyment.