There’s no doubt that the advantages of learning outdoors are endless. Being outdoors allows children to express themselves easily and its this sense of freedom which is fantastic for a child’s development, both mentally and physically. The increasingly popular concept of outdoor playgroups and forest schools reflects a growing desire to get our children outside more and to embrace the learning potential that being free to roam represents.
Busy Birds is an outdoor class, which gives children the opportunity to explore and learn from the natural environment around them. With around fifteen interesting, well thought out activity stations, my two-year-old had plenty to do in the hour that the class runs for. I really like the ethos of this group; how children can learn to interact with the elements around them, which will help them to start to learn about the world we live in. The activity stations are very child-centered and include building, imaginative play, small-world play, role-play, foraging, mark-making, music, sensory and reading. Considering the wide range of activities available, it is clear that this group will appeal to a broad age range (from 4 months to 6 years as specified on their website). Wrap up warm as classes will run whatever the weather (within reason!) but as we are in North Yorkshire after all, a spot of rain is to be expected, so we came prepared with our wellies and waterproofs.
We were greeted warmly by Grace, one of the leaders of Busy Birds. It was obvious from our first meeting that she is extremely passionate about
nurturing little ones in the outdoor setting; and has done an excellent job in creating such a fun, loosely-structured learning space that provide young people with an endless amount of learning opportunities. I also found it really enjoyable; it was an absolute pleasure being a part of this class, watching my toddler explore some activities he hasn’t experienced before and seeing his reaction and expression to the sensory activities (like squelching in the mud and splashing in the water!)
I really admired the design of the group; they seem to have this just right. There is a brief introduction and a welcome song, then the children are given free-play time at the activity stations, before the session closes with circle time with a story, song, drink and healthy snack. Along with the wide range of activity stations, the course leader guides a nature craft activity – my little one loves crafting (like his mama!) so he did make a bee-line for this. None of the stations are compulsory, but it is fantastic to have so much choice without it feeling overwhelming at all. Grace describes the activities as “open-ended”, meaning while the activities are planned, little ones will often find something that interests them more like a fallen branch or a puddle, which the activity can then be adapted to. It really is amazing when you unpick the amount of learning and development opportunities there are just from some “simple” outdoor activities!
We joined the class at Yolk Farm, Minskip which is fantastic venue. We said hello to the resident pigs, goats and alpacas before and after our Busy Birds session and also made the most of our time there by visiting the Yolk Farm restaurant for brunch which was a real treat and very child friendly. Busy Birds also run sessions at Stockeld Park, Wetherby.
I think it goes without saying that I would definitely recommend Busy Birds. Children are naturally “free-range” learners, developing by observing and exploring the environment around them and Busy Birds offer just the right balance of structure and open-ended opportunities.
Reviewed April 2022 by Mumbler Champion Elfie and Rowan
Disclosure: We were gifted our class at Busy Birds however we pinky promised to only write a truthful account. Phew, we really enjoyed it! (otherwise that could have been awks!
