We wanted to discover and implement new outdoor learning and teaching strategies in our preschools. We were curious to learn more about how we can develop our outdoor environment by increasing biodiversity in our preschool yards and offering children environments where they can explore, experience and learn by using all their senses. Increased biodiversity brings benefits to children through a richer and more varied play, increased physical activity and increased sensory experiences and learning. In the last years, we have seen how children's outdoor environments have become ‘poorer’ based on, among other things, a safety mindset and on an idea of perfection where we deprive children of their right to try, discover, learn and develop both motor skills and intellectual knowledge in the best possible way. Our motto throughout the project was that "what you have a closer relationship with, is what you care most about". By implementing training activities we wanted to discover good examples of new teaching and learning activities and strategies, as well as to get inspiration for a more varied and stimulating outdoor environment in preschools.
The purpose was to deepen an understanding and knowledge about how we can further develop the teaching methods in our preschools´outdoor environment. We also wanted to be part of a joint project with other countries where we could share experiences and gain inspiration on how our different cultures/contexts affect our outdoor activities and the work of educators. We were all curious about how to develop the children's outdoor environment in preschool into a sustainable place for both play and learning. Our aim was to discuss and share good examples of how children's relationship with nature can be promoted in a well-thought outdoor environment where they have the opportunity to experience a variety of materials, plants and animals. Another aspect we wanted to further learn about was the understanding of the potential of the outdoor environment in preschool and how it can be seen/used as an arena where children can learn, play and experience with all their senses. Another important aspect was to deepen our work related to the three global goals 3, 4 and 12 thus rising awarness on how we all can live in a healthier and more sustainable way.