Play inspiration & Resources

We all need some inspiration from time to time. Whether you are a parent/caregiver, early childhood educator, or work with young children, you will find a variety of resources to inspire you here.

Important Reminder:

Adults have an important supporting role by facilitating environments that foster play, but the power of play lies in the child’s freedom to explore, create, and learn on their own terms.

This page is under constant development, so please check back regularly. If there is something you came looking for and didn’t find, please let us know.

Leaf Threading: first, let the children run around and gather leaves they like as part of play
Leaf Maze and Labyrinth
Sample book to inspire fall play. Idea: take children outside and encourage them to interact with the leaves the way children do in the book.

 

Winter activities scavenger hunt + free printable – Active For Life

13 Snow Obstacle Course Ideas For Winter (paperheartfamily.com)

Outdoor Play Bank – winter ideas

 

 

Winter-Outdoor Activity Kit 2021

Puddle Play

Scavenger Hunt

Make a Maze Using Sticks (video) 

Sensory Walks (a little bit about the importance of broad sensory experiences in the early years and why outdoor play is superior for sensory learning…) (video)

Be An Outdoor Explorer With Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars

Exploring Spiderwebs – Wunderled

Scavenger Hunts – something that can be done any season, but spring is especially fun as the melting snow and new growth means you can use the same hunt and find something a little different each day. OG_SpringAdventureGoals_Osprey (cmasset-prod.azureedge.net)

Outside Play Today (youtube.com)  Note: this is a member of the C4F Team reading the book aloud. If you live and work in downtown Winnipeg and would like a physical copy of this book for yourself or numerous copies for families you work with, please contact us.

English posters – ActivePlay.ca for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs)

7 Ways to Help Your Kids Overcome Their Fear of Insects – Get the Kids Outside

Create a Backyard Sanctuary for Kids with Disabilities | CHILD Mags

T.O_13_EN_Key points: Supporting Children with Disabilities/Exceptionalities Outside (childnature.ca)

How to Create Highly Effective Invitations to Play: A Step-by-Step Guide – Wunderled