In Scotland, the autumn starts to show itself at the end of September. All around us the trees are changing. In many outside areas these changes cannot be easily observed. This article is designed to support people who have rather "underdeveloped" spaces for children to explore. The ideas are designed to support people in the use of the "We-go" storage system. Each bag takes a different area of the curriculum. Small resources enable children to explore the natural world around them so that at any point children have access to the curriculum.

Mathematics

• Resources - Collect a variety of types models /pictures of common minibeasts and animals to go in the bag system. Provide natural containers such as small baskets or large leaves that can be used to sort the animals into type/size/number etc.
• Ideas to explore - Number of animals, quantity of animals and plants living there e.g. 10 spiders on 2 leaves, sorting and classifying for a variety of criteria.
• PLOD - Extend the links between indoors and out by making an outdoor number book of photographs of the animals, leaves, twigs etc.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

• Resources - Magnifying glasses in a variety of types to look at the changing leaves. If the area is barren put leaves collected elsewhere into the bag system to explore with the children. Make a small viewing window with a small hole cut out of a piece of A6 card to focus attention.
• Ideas to explore - Magnification are used to enlarge and reduce objects. Leaves are all different.
• PLOD - Interaction with adults to focus on the features of the different leaves. Create small identification cards to put into the bag.

Physical Development and Movement

• Resources - Materials that encourage children to dance and move either through leaves, dried petals to recapture the feeling of dancing with nature.
• Ideas to explore - Development of physical skills through the use of small-scale materials.
• PLOD - The provision of materials to dance in can be extended through the use of edible confetti. The birds will come down and eat all the bits!

Creative and Aesthetic

• Resources - Paint sets, fine brushes, Absorbent strong paper so that children can take leaf prints whilst the leaf is still on the bush.
• Ideas to explore - Colours can be mixed. The variety of colours we can make can be huge.
• PLOD - Support children in their exploration by encouraging children to take prints of anything they can find from pebbles to fence posts.

Communication and language

• Resources - Creating a positive attitude to mark making is a very important aspect of learning. Make books in the shape of leaves that can be found in the area. Can use paper that is colour related to autumn if relevant.
• Ideas to explore - Writing as a form of communication.
• PLOD - Extend the experience through adult interaction / planned experiences.

Emotional, personal and social

• Resources - Objects such as small gloves, rakes, brushes, and large squares of fabric that will help children gather and collect materials in the area.
• Ideas to explore - Feeling of satisfaction from clearing and tidying away leaves.
• PLOD - Extend the opportunities through listening to children's ideas for organising area. Develop independent thought through encouraging their ideas e.g. 4 heaps of leaves.