It’s commonly understood now that outdoor learning brings with it a whole host of learning opportunities that just cannot be replicated in the home or the classroom. Whether it’s playing on swings and slides, pond-dipping and fire-building, or sliding down mud banks, children embrace the fun of learning outdoors enthusiastically. The rise of forest schools is a testament to this, with outdoor learning being prioritised in school curriculums more than ever before.
Perhaps one of the most beneficial things to install in your garden, nursery, school or forest school is a Mud Kitchen! Kids absolutely love letting their imagination run wild as they whip up a storm in a kitchen that’s designed to get dirty. Here are just some of the benefits that Mud Kitchens bring:
A Mud Kitchen is a perfect place for children to embrace their creativity! What may just look like an old leaf to you could well the magic ingredient in a mud pie, or perhaps even a natural sponge or cloth. Mud Kitchens encourage role play, which is a sure-fire way to get children’s imaginations fired up. And because cookery uses skills such as art and maths, children will find that they can express themselves and build these skills through play, which surely is the best way to learn.
Children who may be quiet and reserved in class often find that it’s far easier to communicate in an outdoor, natural environment. They can develop their social skills and share their thoughts with friends and teachers, while learning a wide range of new vocabulary related to kitchen utensils and cookery.
- Physical activity
It’s widely accepted that getting kids moving is critical to their physical and mental health, and getting them out of the home or classroom and out into nature is a fantastic way to do this. Children really enjoy the fresh air too – it helps them stay alert and the change of scenery is a great way to combat boredom and fatigue.
- Connecting with nature
Children who play with Mud Kitchens have the amazing opportunity to get their hands into the soil and connect with nature. This is an excellent way to help them appreciate and enjoy the natural world – a passion that will stay with them for life if they are introduced to it in a fun and entertaining way from an early age.
A Mud Kitchen for your garden, school or nursery is a fantastic addition, and is a great way to enhance your children’s education while letting them play and explore in a safe setting. If you’d like to browse our wide range of Mud Kitchens, which come in all shapes and sizes and suit all budgets, follow this link.