Ditch the Assumptions: Creating engaging outdoor learning lessons for your students
When working as an outdoor learning specialist across four international schools (Early Years to Year 6, for three years!), I led countless forest excursions for curriculum-linked tasks. My initial thought? Every child would be thrilled! But the reality wasn’t always that simple. I remember my confusion when some kids didn’t seem as into the trips […]
Father’s Hope: Nurturing Our Children’s Connection to Nature
Watching my daughter stare in wide-eyed wonder at the great outdoors fills me with a teacher’s resolve. This natural connection, blossoming at such a young age, must be nurtured. In our fast-paced world, many children lack regular access to nature. Busy schedules, urban living, and safety concerns can create a barrier to exploring the wonders […]
Beyond Words: Decoding Nonverbal Communication in Students with ADHD ðŸ§
As teachers we Look for ways to unlock deeper connections and understanding with our ADHD students? I recently did a little research around this topic and found that the key 🔑 might lie beyond spoken words. Nonverbal communication (NVC) plays a critical role in the classroom. Facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice can […]
Discovering Math in Nature Through Patterns, Shapes, Natural Materials and More…
Venture outside the classroom and into the natural world, where mathematics isn’t just numbers on paper but a visible part of our environment. This blog will explore learning math outside through finding patterns in nature, using scavenger hunts to enhance learning, using natural materials for number work and revealing how symmetry and shapes manifest in […]
Simple and Fun Science Taught Outdoors
One of my favourite parts of my job is encouraging young learners’ scientific curiosity by utilising outdoor environments and natural materials. This blog will walk you through simple, fun scientific lessons enhanced by being taught outside or using common natural materials. We’ll discover the advantages of learning science outdoors. Get ready for various kid-focused activities […]
Forest Schools: Offering A Fresh Approach To Learning
I am currently completing a portfolio of work to gain my Forest School Leader 3 qualification. Recently, I was lucky enough to participate in Forest School Practical Training with the outdoors group, which has a forest school training centre based in Exmouth. The week-long course was a wonderful experience. I learned the practical skills needed […]
What Is Outdoor Learning?
The Institute of Outdoor Learning (2020) defines outdoor learning as a broad term that includes discovery, experimentation, learning about and connecting to the natural world, and engaging in environmental and adventure activities. Within primary education, there is a focus on educationally legitimising outdoor learning. Hence, outdoor learning is commonly becoming viewed as a pedagogical […]