Outdoor Maths Play

By Sheila O’Reilly

Instagram: @rascals_and_rainbows

8 weeks into Lockdown and Home Learning is still going strong (fuelled by copious amounts of coffee for mummy and some sweet treats for my little rascals!). It’s definitely a more successful experience when learning is activity-based and lots of fun. 

Imaginative ideas for outdoor play

Of course, there is a great selection of traditional toys to play with outside, and don’t get me wrong we love these toys, bats and balls are enjoyed massively by us. There are also the toys given to us by nature, sticks, puddles, stones waves and more - we love all of these. But one of my favourite things as a parent is to watch imagination develop, see magical worlds created, and listen to narrative dreamt up by my son.

Play Ideas for the Lockdown

The weather has been really kind to us this week, so we have enjoyed being at home and spending some quality time with the kids. It is a strange time and nothing we have experienced before so we have all been adjusting. My son is showing some signs of uncertainty so I will try and keep with a bit of routine for him. 

If you didn't see our last blog - check it out here. However our blog is full of other ideas for play so it it worth having a browse if you need a bit of inspiration

Life in a Lockdown

It's been nearly two weeks since we entered Lockdown and today would have been the start of our Easter School Holidays as we once knew it. 

The last two weeks has been a learning curve for the whole family. Trying to keep two chilcren entertained in the house and garden is hard going. Trying to fit in some "school" work, keeping them both happy and not arguing with each other, along with me and my husband both fitting in some work. It's been great to have more time to use our wooden toys and resources and we are slowing getting used to the slower pace. I have enjoyed not being fixed so much by time, being able to get up when we like and not be rushing to school or clubs. 

Wood LIke to Play Number Puzzle

We really enjoy playing with a variety of wooden toys in our house, and the ‘Wood Like To Play’ jigsaws really caught my eye when browsing the Wooden Play Den website. The bold colours and large shaped pieces looked fantastic for small hands, just what we needed when beginning to explore jigsaws.

Activities and Play Ideas at Home

Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing more activities and play ideas that you can do at home with the kids. My lovely reps have put together some of their favourite play ideas to help us all through this difficult time. Look out for a new blog each week.