Outdoor Learning Equipment: Less can mean more?
Many teachers love incorporating outdoor learning into our curriculum, but the pressure to create and manage elaborate outdoor equipment setups can feel overwhelming (time a lot if teachers may not have). The truth is, children thrive on simple exploration and open-ended play. So maybe you don’t need the pinterest-perfect mud kitchen and instead make it […]
Beyond Words: Decoding Nonverbal Communication in Students with ADHD 🧠
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 […]
Continual Professional Development: Not just about ticking boxes
Continual Professional Development (CPD) isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s a journey of growth for both educators and students. Here are some things I have learned from others and from my own experiences: 🤝 Collaborative and Flexible – Effective CPD should be reflective and collaborative. When participants are actively involved in CPD sessions, it’s […]
The Early Years Outdoors
In this blog, we will explore the crucial role that outdoor learning plays in children’s development during the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) (up to the age of 5 in the UK). We’ll delve into the advantages of outdoor learning activities, from improving motor skills to encouraging imaginative play and promoting overall wellbeing. The blog […]
Creative Nature Art Projects Using Earth’s Gifts
Dive into the vibrant intersection of art and the natural environment, where children can use materials found in nature to craft beautiful works of art. This blog post will explore the endless possibilities of nature art, encouraging young artists to look closely at the textures and colours surrounding them. I’ll provide practical advice on collecting […]
Creating Inclusive Outdoor Learning Experiences for Diverse Learners
Discover how outdoor learning can be used and adapted to embrace and support diverse learners’ unique needs and abilities, providing an inclusive educational environment. This blog will spotlight the versatility of outdoor learning, highlighting its benefits and the various strategies that make it accessible for all students. From sensory activities to kinesthetic tasks, we’ll explore […]
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 […]
Quality Outdoor Learning Staff Training Experiences
I’ve been fortunate to be in the position to participate in Outdoor Learning Continual Professional Development (CPD) and have also had the opportunity to deliver CPD. I have helped facilitate study days for my school organisations, given workshops and lectures to University students, and given online presentations. Elliot et al. (2011) advise that good quality […]
Fun Wildlife Themed Outdoor STEM Ideas
When I first started teaching outdoor learning, I decided to take a tiny hedgehog along to my early years class as a kind of mascot. Within a few minutes, the hedgehog was given a name. Hamish the hedgehog was so popular with the class that he’s remained in my bag for the last two years. […]
