Dublin, 7 April 2011. Children should be playing outside. Research shows it increases their physical and mental health. That's why Caitriona Walsh set up 'Little Green Fingers', Ireland's first child minding service that does all its activities outdoors. Recently, Little Green Fingers was awarded the Early Childhood Ireland Innovation Award.
Like normal childcare facilities, Little Green Fingers helps develop the children's with literacy and numeracy games, such as 'number treasure hunts', telling stories, and rhyme exercises. The difference is: Little Green Fingers does it all outside. They use a Dutch delivery bicycle (by bear bicycles) to transport the children - to the beach, woods, or excursions. Trips in the delivery bicycle are spent singing, pointing, and discussing surroundings. Special outdoor waterproof clothing keeps the children comfortable, regardless of the weather, and specially designed cameras allow them to document their outdoor adventures each day.
