SE T2.03Exploring Outdoors: Grass, Sand, Water, and Leaves
The child touches, sits in, digs, pours, and collects natural materials outdoors (grass, sand, water, and leaves) with an adult close by.
Safety
- An adult stays within arm's reach of any child near water, and basins and buckets are emptied right after use; young children can drown in a few centimeters of water.
- Check the area for poisonous plants, berries, and mushrooms before use; ask a local poison center or extension office about any plant you cannot identify.
- Pebbles, acorns, seeds, and berries can fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.); clear them from infant areas and watch toddlers closely.
- Keep sand covered when not in use, and check it for animal waste and sharp objects before each use.
- Follow the school's or family's policy for sun, heat, and cold, and check the allergy list for insect stings and plants.
- Follow state licensing rules for outdoor water play and sand areas.
Presentation
- 1
Walk the area before going out: remove litter, animal waste, mushrooms, sharp objects, and small pebbles, seeds, and nuts from where infants will sit.
- 2
For an infant: lay a blanket on the grass in the shade and place the infant near its edge so they can reach the grass. Sit beside them.
- 3
Let the infant touch the grass and leaves, and name what they touch in plain words: "Grass. It is wet."
- 4
For a toddler: show the sand area and the tools; fill a bucket once, slowly, then step back.
- 5
Set out the water basin with the cups; pour once, slowly, from cup to cup, then let the child pour. Point of interest: the water filling the cup.
- 6
Walk with the child to collect leaves in the basket; stop when they stop to look, and name what they find.
- 7
Watch the child's mouth throughout: take out anything that fits the small parts test cylinder, and any plant, soil, or sand.
- 8
Before going in, empty the water basin, cover the sand, and wash hands with the child.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Sort collected leaves into two baskets by size or by kind
- Wash stones or toys in the water basin with a small brush
- Water a garden plant with a small watering can
- Go outside in light rain, wind, or snow, dressed for it
Control of error
None in the material; the materials give their own feedback (water spills when a cup tips, dry sand does not hold a shape). The adult observes and names what the child finds.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Infant: reaches for and grasps grass or leaves, and turns toward outdoor sounds
- Toddler: digs, fills, and pours sand or water without adult help
- Brings a found object to the adult and names it or asks its name
- Walks steadily on grass, sand, and slopes