Maths outdoors

Rebecca and Lisa have undertake a 'Mini Maths Explorers - Outdoor Challenge' online course through the NDNA (National Day Nursery Association).
Rebecca has devised an action plan to develop Maths in our outdoor provision.
Here are some examples of how you can take maths outdoors and make it fun:

1. Forest Fun

• Look at height of trees, which is tallest, which is smallest
• Circumference of the tree trunk/ branches/ twigs (use tape measure)
• Counting the points on the leaves
• Making twig shapes (2D /3D) 
• Collecting natural resources and sorting them in different ways - counting these talk about more/ less
• Weighing and comparing different materials found, make your own large weighing scales using sticks and buckets
• Make and follow maps to find clues - directional/ positional/ problem solving
• Use language such as heavy, light, big, small, long, short
• Counting stepping stones as you jump across

2. Out and about in the community

• Shapes of doors, windows, signposts Numbers (and letters) on doors, car registration plates, signs
• Numbers (and letters) on shop windows, displays, signs Counting buses, cars, bikes, trains 
• Use language such as big, small, long, short, fast, slow
• Looking for clocks in the community - talking about time, numbers 
• Shopping at local shops, ice cream van - discuss money, numbers, counting, weighing

3.Maths in Motion 

• Numbers and counting - number of wheels, seat, handle bars, doors
• Number recognition - number bikes and parking spaces
• Number plates 
• Directional language - maps/ roads on the floor
• Positional language - obstacles to go around
• Speed - make pretend speed cameras, use language such as fast, slow
• Road signs - shapes and numbers
• Use stop watches to time how fast/ slow  

4. Climbing and Counting

• Directional Language 
• Positional language
• Higher, lower, longer, shorter
• Counting steps 
• Races - timed 
• Shapes in the environment 
• calculating their risk taking and problem solving 

There are many fun ways to take maths outdoors. 

Keep an eye out for photographs of Maths Outdoors at St Mary's :)