Last week, Wiedewei was completely dedicated to Barefoot Week. The children were given the opportunity to play outside on their bare feet and to explore through various sensorimotor activities. Barefoot Week is a fixed part of the pedagogical program of Wiedewei, in which nature experience and sensory development are central.
Barefoot trail with natural surfaces
Bee Wiedewei to Helmond A barefoot path was laid with various natural surfaces. The beginning was exciting, but when the doll sprout As the first brave children took on the adventure, they too took on the challenge. Still a little awkward and giggling, they walked one by one along the path lined with sand, grass, mud, and wooden blocks. The very youngest, who couldn't walk yet, crawled and played outside in their bare feet.
Besides the path there were more activities at Wiedewei. There was dancing, playing in the mud and painting with feet.
Good for sensory and motor development
When children walk barefoot on different surfaces, they feel all kinds of structures with their feet. This is good for their senses and motor skills, because their body learns how to adapt to what lies beneath them. In this way, they develop more balance, strong muscles and self-confidence. In addition, children who walk barefoot often feel freer and more connected to nature.
“We know from scientific research that being barefoot in nature stimulates the physical development of children enormously. At Wiedewei we like to go on an adventure in our own nature. Barefoot is a true experience and a nature experience in which we make direct contact with our environment,” says Suzanne Krijger-Verswijver, pedagogical policy officer and coach.
The Barefoot Week is a great example of how children at Wiedewei are introduced to nature in a playful way. By exploring the environment, they are challenged to feel and experience in a way that suits their world of experience.
