Ideas to explore Patterns in nature; melting
Resources * Magnifying sheets * piece of black cloth
PLODs Look at snowflake patterns through magnifying sheets and in books; place ice on frozen black cloth and warm surface and compare the melting process.
Idea to explore Warm air condenses on cold surfaces.
Resources * Sheets of Perspex (left in a cold shed or fridge) * water mister PLODs Invite the children to breathe on to the cold sheet and draw pictures in the condensation; write on other surfaces such as frosted windows and snow; spray the Perspex with water mister and place flat in freezer overnight to create an icy writing sheet.
Idea to explore We can care for each other by giving warnings of potential hazards.
Resources * Hazard tape * waterproof markers * laminated sheets with string for hanging * first-aid and other role-play resources for the rescue services
PLODs Encourage the children to warn each other of hazards and make warning signs alerting people to, for example, slippery areas, deep snow and dripping icicles; map the hazardous areas; explore the work of the care and rescue services through role play.
Main ideas Capacity and volume; snow takes up more space than equivalent amount of water; size.
Resources * Containers of various shapes and sizes * spoons PLODs Fill containers of different sizes with snow, then melt the snow; make comparisons of capacity, volume and speed of melting process; make snow sculptures and compare their size.
Main idea Moving our bodies keeps us warm.
Resources * Wristbands made from hair scrunchies with ribbons and bells attached * glitter
PLODs Have the children put on the wristbands, devise a wintertime dance indoors and then dance outside in the snow, scattering glitter as they go.
Main idea We can create our own tree decorations.
Resources * Natural resources (such as fir cones) and craft materials for making decorations, such as lengths of paper snowflakes.
PLODs Make available the resources for children to make decorations; support them in creating their own designs; decorate a tree (indoors or out).
Series guide
Poor resourcing and planning are often the greatest barriers to high-quality outdoor play. In this series, we outline ideas to explore, cross-curricular resources and possible lines of development (PLODs) to extend and consolidate children's learning. The resources can be stored in sets of bags - one for each area of learning, all stored in one bigger bag.
Such sets enable settings to respond quickly to events and children's interests and to supplement outdoor provision
See also 'At the ready', Nursery World, 29 January 2004.
Claire Warden is the founder of Mindstretchers, an educational resource provider in Perthshire, tel: 01764 664409.