Why is Nature Play so important?

The importance of nature in play across all developmental areas cannot be understated and our belief in this is evident throughout our setting. From creating our own tactile learning resources using natural materials, to incorporating natural materials into our environment as much as possible. We even bring nature inside our classrooms!

Reggio Emila , Montessori, Scandinavian and Finnish schools in particular all consider nature and the use of natural materials to be an important element in their respective models. Finnish schools place more emphasis on spending time outdoors whilst Montessori sees the importance of the use of wooden resources.

Being an international kindergarten in Bangkok, a city with very limited green space, creating our own oasis of greenery and jungle is even more important to us.

Natural Loose Part Art at British Early Years Centre International kindergarten in Bangok
Natural Loose Part Art
Child plays in the sand at British Early Years Centre International kindergarten in Bangok
Sand Play
Clay snails at British Early Years Centre International kindergarten in Bangok
Natural Material Crafts
Exploring the garden at BEYC at British Early Years Centre International kindergarten in Bangok
Exploring the Garden

What are the benefits of 'Nature Play'?

  • Improved cognition and thinking 
  • Improved focus
  • Increased Confidence
  • Developed Collaborative Skills
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Improved mindfulness
Outdoor Immaginative Play at British Early Years Centre International kindergarten in Bangok
Outdoor Immaginative Play
Tactile Sensory Play at our international kindergarten, Bangkok
Tactile Sensory Play
Homemade Maths Activity at an international school in bangkok
Homemade Maths Activity
Outdoor Role Play at BEYC international kindergartn bangkok
Outdoor Role Play

At BEYC we ensure the play opportunities outside the classroom mirror those found inside the classroom. Outdoor play is timetabled as equally as indoor play. 

We try to up-cycle and make as many teaching resources as we can, pushing back against the need to use plastics. Natural materials such as wood, stone and fabrics offer the children a multi-sensory and open-ended experience. Montessori resources are used whenever we are unable to make our own!