Active Boundaries: children in the Early Years (and of all ages) have an endless fascination with exploring boundaries; given the opportunity they will actively cross over, under or through them.
Traversing through a tunnel offers a holistic and sensory-rich experience, as well as engaging various muscle sets as children bend and crawl. The senses come alive - feeling changes in texture, altered light, echoey or muffled sounds, smells and the airflow different from the open space.
Tunnels can provide a mysterious journey, entering from one end and emerging somewhere new can create a portal for the imagination.
Often full-bodied movements needing physical strength in both the upper and lower body must be used to manoeuvre through a tunnel, which helps increase stamina and endurance. Crawling through a tight space also requires physical coordination and concentration.
Low tunnels require children to crawl or scramble through; this exercise engages their bodies in a unique way that develops their core and bilateral coordination skills, utilising both sides simultaneously. Crawling plays a crucial role in development, and it is essential for babies and toddlers to have opportunities to crawl.
Thanks to Kirstine Beeley from Early Years on a shoe string for providing the photo.
The physicality of tunnels and their ability to capture the imagination stimulates beneficial play that can help regulate emotional responses and support cognitive development.
A tight tunnel permits only one child at a time to pass through, this encourages them to take turns, be patient and tolerant, and play fairly.
Building confidence is a crucial aspect. Some children might feel nervous about navigating through a constrained and narrow space or lack confidence in their physical co-ordination. Overcoming these challenges may require determination and managing emotions, or they may seek support from their peers which in turn improves relationships. Achieving the task brings a sense of accomplishment that boosts confidence. As the activity is repeated, this builds to competence, which may lead to further increased self confidence and motivation to assist others, supporting relationship development and self-worth.
Thanks to Nic Crombie-Dawson from The Bear & the Fox for providing the photo.
Thanks to Kirstine Beeley from Early Years on a shoe string for providing the photo.
A tunnel is an artificial passage normally designed to go underneath a physical feature. When installing tunnels, it is crucial that they serve a purpose, even if it doesn't involve traveling through or under ground.
A tunnel should facilitate the passage of children from one space to another. While a tunnel beneath the ground offers a distinct sensory experience, you can enhance the sensory engagement of any tunnel by incorporating additional elements. For instance, constructing a barrier that can only be traversed by going through the tunnel gives it a clear purpose and meaningful functionality.
The tunnel in this photo passes from an open light area to an enclosed space under the plants.
High tunnels (or tall trunnels) create spaces that children can hang out in, hidden from many angles of vision and in particular away from the sight of adults. This enclosed space satisfies many different needs; feeling safe, hidden, protected from the elements. It can create a calm protected space where children can socialise and have time to explore their play.
A high tunnel also allows children to pass through quickly if they want to, as they only need to bend and are not required to crawl.
Photo of children interacting in a Copper Beech Play Tunnel - available from their website.
Low tunnels can offer older children the chance to engage in crawling activities, fostering their development. This is especially advantageous for those who may have missed or had limited crawling experiences as infants.
The inherent constraints of low tunnels, limiting the number of participants able to pass through at any given time, encourages communication and cooperation among the children, particularly around turn-taking, enhancing social skills and teamwork.
Thanks to Kirstine Beeley from Early Years on a shoe string for providing the photo.
When in leaf, living green tunnels offer natural shade and shelter from the sun and wind. The leaf cover creates a peaceful green dappled hue in high sunshine. The interesting natural shapes created and the organisms & minibeasts that choose to make it home stimulate observations, questions and investigations which spark learning and play.
Willow is commonly used for green tunnels and can be combined with pathways to create willow labyrinths.
Green tunnels are cultivated from plants and require nurturing. To form the tunnel, plants are grown in parallel lines, and once they reach the required height, are tied or woven together. Although green tunnels take time to grow, once established they provide an engaging and inviting space that supports biodiversity, connecting children to nature and the myriad of associated physical and mental health benefits.
Thank you to Narelle Debenham from Natured Kids from Australia for the photograph.
in the Muddy Faces shop.
A durable set featuring a tunnel, a bridge stile, an outdoor wooden planter and two fence panels. The mix of elements enable your tunnel to be part of active boundaries that create transitions with a distinct purpose.
This set offers the flexibility to be either mobile or securely attached, providing a choice between a versatile setup or a more permanent and sturdy structure.
Sturdy and portable, this wooden tunnel is expertly crafted in the UK to withstand robust use, making it strong enough to support additional play equipment. It's an ideal structure for crawling through and climbing on, offering both durability and versatility for a variety of play activities.
Active Boundaries
Children in the Early Years (and of all ages) have an endless fascination with exploring boundaries; given the opportunity they will consistently cross over, under or through them.
The world is full of boundaries and edges, not only physical but also social, all of which need to be identified, explored and played with to be understood.
Join us going Over, Under & Through (OUT) our Active Boundaries.
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Peepholes
Active Boundaries: children in the Early Years (and of all ages) have an endless fascination with exploring boundaries; given the opportunity they will actively cross over, under or through them.
Children are drawn to peepholes because they satisfy their natural curiosity, offer a sense of discovery, provide a feeling of control, stimulate imagination, and can be part of playful interactions.
Gates & doorways
Active Boundaries: children in the Early Years (and of all ages) have an endless fascination with exploring boundaries; given the opportunity they will actively cross over, under or through them.
The allure of gates for children is undeniable; the simple act of passing through them, with their dynamic possibilities of swinging, opening, closing and securing can be a captivating experience.
Read More about Gates & doorways