At BSB Sanlitun, we are committed to nurturing a lifelong love of outdoor learning and recognise its vital role in every child’s development. Inspired by The Curiosity Approach, which celebrates the use of real, authentic materials to spark awe and wonder, we have thoughtfully redesigned our Reception outdoor learning spaces to enrich exploration, creativity, and discovery.
In our newly designed mud kitchen, children have the opportunity to observe and explore the changing seasons. They delight in squishing and squashing pumpkins to create a “pumpkin pie,” mixing up a “leaf stew,” or brewing a comforting cup of “coffee” in a moka coffee pot, all while developing their imagination, curiosity, and connection to the natural world.
Reception pupils can also enjoy our large den-building area, where they have access to rods, outdoor fabrics, and pegs to design and construct their own enclosures. This collaborative activity encourages teamwork, communication, and imaginative role play, allowing children to work on a much larger scale than is possible indoors.
We have also added a role-play tent where children can enjoy “camping.” This addition follows a recent project in which children shared stories in the classroom about their own homes, explored different types of homes around the world, and recounted weekend adventures in Mongolia, camping in yurts or at campgrounds rather than staying in traditional homes. Even our outdoor provision reflects the interests of the pupils, helping them stay engaged and inspired in their learning across all areas of the school.
By Nichole Henderson
Reception Leader, Dolphins Class Teacher
